MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday said it is only right for Vice President Sara Duterte to testify in her own impeachment trial in the Senate to defend herself.
In a press briefing in Kazan, Russia, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte is in the best position to answer the allegations against her and explain her side of the issue.
"It is only right that if she is the one being accused in this kind of impeachment trial, she should be the one to speak and explain," Castro said.
"She herself is the one who can give the proper response so she can explain and clear her name," she added.
The House of Representatives, voting 257-25 with nine abstentions, impeached Duterte on May 11, 2026 over alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, alleged bribery, and the "kill" remark against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It then sent the impeachment articles to the Senate for trial.
Duterte denied the allegations in the two impeachment complaints heard by the House Committee on Justice. This committee on April 29, 2026 found probable cause to impeach Duterte, sending the impeachment articles to the House plenary for action.
