Castro: Marcos backs Senate’s lawful course in Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports whatever action the Senate takes in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as long as it is within the bounds of the law, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Wednesday.

That is in response to Sen. Pia Cayetano’s remark that Malacañang is “very supportive” of the majority bloc.

On the first day of the trial on Tuesday, Sen. Pia said Malacañang could be asked to call a special session, since it appears very supportive of the majority group.

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READ: WATCH: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | July 8, 2026

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“If that’s her suggestion, then perhaps she doesn’t need to tell someone else to do it; maybe she can just do it herself,” said Castro at a briefing when asked for a reaction on the matter.

She then recalled a previous statement from Marcos, in which he said that whatever action is taken or whatever decision the Senate makes, he will support it.

“So, first and foremost, the President supports it because of the principle of separation of powers. The President will support what the Senate is doing, as long as those activities are within the bounds of the law,” the Palace official said.

Among the things Marcos will not support, according to Castro, are issuing a lock-and-load order and allowing the escape of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

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“Those are likely the actions of the majority, but the President does not support them,” she said.

Sen. Pia’s ‘very supportive’ claim

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, brother of Sen. Pia, questioned Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s appointment as presiding officer of the impeachment trial on Monday.

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He asserted that Senate President Win Gatchalian should preside over the trial, since he is the legislative body’s leader.

In response, Gatchalian said issues related to Senate Resolution No. 430—which allows the Senate to elect another senator to preside over impeachment proceedings—should be discussed when the Senate is convened as a legislative body, not as an impeachment court.

“If his Honor will insist that we have to be in session to amend the impeachment rules, eh, ‘di tawagan niyo po ang Malacañang?” Sen. Pia asked.

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“It seems that Malacañang is very supportive of the majority, isn’t it? But I take the position that we are already sitting as an impeachment court, so any amendments should be made here. That’s just common sense,” she also said. /mr