Palace: Marcos has important things to do than watch impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not monitor the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte because he has more important things to work on than watching what was described as a “historic” event in Philippine politics, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Monday.

The Senate convened as an impeachment court on July 6 to begin the historic trial of Duterte, who faces allegations ranging from corruption and constitutional violations to betrayal of public trust.

READ: WATCH: SP Gatchalian describes impeachment trial as ‘historic’

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“The President does not necessarily need to monitor it. He will still find out what the news will be here. Our President has many more important things to work on, and he would not just be sitting around watching an impeachment trial,” said Castro at a briefing when asked whether Marcos will monitor the trial.

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She also reiterated Marcos’ earlier statement during a press briefing in Vancouver, Canada, saying that it would be better for Duterte to appear before the Senate impeachment court to respond to the allegations against her.

“As we said even before, and the President has also spoken at the Kapihan [press briefing in Canada], if there is something that needs to be answered, then it should be answered,” Castro said.

READ: Much easier if Sara Duterte faces impeachment trial – Marcos

She also said, “”If it is possible to clear the names involved, then that is what should be done. It would also be better for her to face the trial so that he can personally respond to the accusations against her.”

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The trial, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., is expected to last several weeks as senator-judges hear the case presented by House prosecutors and Duterte’s defense team.

A conviction requires the votes of at least two-thirds of the Senate and would result in her removal from office, with the possibility of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

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Meanwhile, in an earlier media briefing, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said that while it is Duterte’s “personal decision” whether she would appear before the court, she should attend at least the early sessions to show her earnestness in responding to the charges against her.

“That is her option (to attend), but it will send a clear message to the Filipino people, who have long wanted to see the vice president take this head-on,” Alonto Adiong, spokesman for the impeachment prosecution team, said in mixed English and Filipino, noting that her attendance would shape how observers would interpret the proceedings.

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“Her not attending is a personal decision, but the people will have a different observation altogether,” he added. /mr