Malacañang urges respect for Vice President Sara Duterte's office and due process as Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano encourages senators to refuse the vice presidency if Duterte is convicted.
Malacañang on Tuesday stated that Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s call for senators to reject any offers to assume the vice presidency amid the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is premature and inappropriate. Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the Office of the Vice President deserves respect and that the impeachment proceedings are still underway, with the defense yet to present its evidence. She urged senators to allow the trial to proceed without preempting outcomes or succession scenarios. Castro further noted that Cayetano has no authority to dictate actions of his fellow senators or preempt President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decisions regarding the vice presidency. The statement comes after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero declared his intention to decline the vice presidency should Duterte be convicted, citing his role as presiding officer in the impeachment trial. Other senators have also expressed that making such declarations is premature as the Senate has not concluded the proceedings. The Palace reiterates President Marcos’ desire for due process to be observed fully before any discussions on succession rights begin.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1007318/palace-alan-cayetano-s-call-to-reject-vp-post-premature/story/