Malacañang has raised questions over Vice President Sara Duterte’s push to exclude key documents, including her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), from her ongoing impeachment proceedings.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro argued that blocking these records prevents the Vice President from clearing her name against accusations of hidden wealth.
Castro emphasized that the contested documents are vital, as they sit at the very heart of the impeachment allegations leveled against Duterte.
”[S]a ating pagkakaalam, ito iyong pinaka-core eh, ito iyong pinaka-meat ng kaso, ng complaint laban sa kaniya tungkol sa diumanong unexplained wealth,” Castro said during a Palace briefing on Tuesday, June 23.
”So, kung pinapatanggal niya ito, papaano niyang maipapakita sa bayan na siya ay tuwid at malinis at walang unexplained wealth?” Castro argued.
The impeachment trial stems from four consolidated complaints against the Vice President. The charges span multiple offenses, including the alleged misuse of confidential funds, wealth discrepancies, SALN violations, bribery, and corruption.
The complaints also cite her controversial public remarks targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.