Malacañang has declined to make any prejudgment regarding the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying that all evidence should first be presented before any conclusions are made.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement when asked whether the administration believes the evidence submitted against Duterte is sufficient to justify the impeachment case.
According to Castro, it would be inappropriate to judge the case before the evidence is fully presented during the impeachment proceedings.
She emphasized that it will be the senator-judges who will determine whether the vice president should be held accountable for the allegations filed against her.
Castro said the Senate impeachment court will be responsible for evaluating the evidence and deciding the outcome of the case once the trial begins.
Meanwhile, Malacañang reiterated its support for holding accountable anyone proven to be involved in corruption, regardless of political affiliation or party membership.
Castro said one of the priorities of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the continuation of investigations into corruption and ensuring that those found responsible are held accountable.
The Palace maintained that accountability efforts should apply equally to all individuals and should not be influenced by political considerations.
The impeachment proceedings against Duterte are scheduled to begin before the Senate impeachment court on July 6.
The upcoming trial is expected to place the allegations against the vice president under formal examination, with senator-judges tasked with reviewing the evidence and hearing the arguments that will be presented during the proceedings.
Malacañang, however, maintained that it would refrain from expressing any opinion on the merits of the case before the trial officially starts and the evidence is fully laid out before the court.
