Malacañang has called on the Senate impeachment court to prioritize the pursuit of truth over political spectacle as the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte shifts to the allegations surrounding her handling of confidential funds.
During a press briefing on Thursday, July 16, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the public expects the proceedings to stay strictly focused on the core issues, especially now that the prosecution has concluded its presentation of evidence for Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment.
“Ang inaasahan po natin ay walang drama, walang pagtatago ng katotohanan at walang pag-iwas sa totoong issue na kinakaharap dito sa impeachment trial,” Castro stated during a Palace briefing on Thursday, July 16.
“Gusto lang naman din po ng lahat ng ating kababayan ay lumabas ang katotohanan at hindi ang drama sa loob ng Senado,” she added.
The development follows the prosecution’s formal notification to the court that it had finished presenting its witnesses and documentary exhibits under Article IV, paving the way for the trial to address the disputed confidential funds.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in February on several grounds, including culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and the alleged misuse of confidential funds—charges that the Vice President has consistently denied.