MANILA — Malacañang has dismissed rumors that the administration is already talking about a potential successor to Vice President Sara Duterte in the event of a conviction in her ongoing impeachment trial.
During a press briefing in Manila on Thursday, October 15, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the administration has never taken up the issue.
The clarification followed circulating reports that House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was being eyed as a replacement.
Castro stressed that talking about a substitute is entirely out of order because the trial is ongoing and the defense has yet to lay out its evidence.
”Wala pa pong conviction. Hindi tayo puwedeng mag-anticipate. Hindi tayo puwedeng mag-speculate dahil ang defense ay magpipresenta pa po ng kanilang ebidensiya,” Castro said.
The Palace official reminded the public that the impeachment court has yet to hand down any ruling, making any talks about a succession plan completely baseless.
”So wala pa pong nangyayaring pagdedesisyon ang impeachment court so hindi po ito napag-uusapan,” she added.
Urging the public to practice restraint, Castro called for proper deference toward the second-highest office in the land and asked that everyone allow the legal process to unfold naturally without premature distractions.
Furthermore, Castro highlighted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continuously upholds the dignity of the vice presidency, emphasizing that mutual courtesy remains a priority for the chief executive even amidst political friction.
“So in fairness at pagrespeto na sa posisyon ng Bise Presidente, hindi po ito pag-uusapan at hindi pa po ito napag-uusapan. Hayaan nating gumulong ang proseso,” Castro stated.
“Wala talaga. Mahirap. Hindi pa, eh. Respeto na lang. Kahit pa minsan-minsan ay hindi nagbibigay ng respeto ang iba pero ang Pangulo, nirerespeto ang posisyon ng Bise Presidente.”