Castro to Duterte: Practice what you preach, explain yourself in court

MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday told Vice President Sara Duterte to “practice what she preaches” after the latter dismissed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s opinion on her attendance at her impeachment trial as “of no importance” and said public officials should keep their personal opinions to themselves.

Duterte made the remark after Marcos, at a press conference at the end of his four-day official visit to Canada, said it would be “much easier” for Duterte to appear before the Senate impeachment court and respond to the allegations against her.

In her statement issued on the first day of her impeachment trial, which she did not attend, Duterte said the proceedings should be guided solely by the Constitution.

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READ: Palace to Sara Duterte: Every public servant should assess themselves

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Duterte then said public officials are “best served by keeping their personal opinions to themselves” and relying on the law and objective facts when addressing matters of public concern.

These remarks were disputed by Castro in a Viber message to reporters.

“VP Sara should practise what she preaches now. She should explain herself and present her statements before the impeachment court,” she said.

“Any statement she makes against the President, or about what the President has said, if made outside the court, will not help clear her name,” the Palace official added.

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At a briefing earlier, Castro said Marcos will not monitor the ongoing impeachment trial of Duterte, as he has more important things to work on than watching what was described as a “historic” event in Philippine politics.

Duterte, who faces allegations ranging from corruption and constitutional violations to betrayal of public trust, skipped the trial.

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The trial, which began 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. /mr

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