MANILA — Malacañang called for fairness and due process in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, while stressing that the executive branch will not interfere in the Senate’s handling of the case.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration respects the independence of the legislative branch following the election of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate leader.

“Well, everything that happens in the Senate is within their power, it is within their authority to decide on all matters within the Senate,” Castro said when asked about concerns over the timing of the Senate leadership change amid the impeachment proceedings.

“So, hindi po panghihimasukan ng Pangulo iyong anuman po ang magiging desisyon ng Senado,” she added.

(The President will not interfere with any decision of the Senate.)

Cayetano assumed the Senate presidency on Monday, following the removal of Senator Vicente Sotto III, as the House of Representatives moved to impeach Duterte for the second consecutive year over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.

Castro said the House of Representatives likely based its decision on evidence and documents presented during deliberations.

“Nagdesisyon po ang House of Representatives. Nakita malamang nila ang mga ebidensya,” she said.

(The House of Representatives made a decision. They likely saw the evidence.)

She added that once the case reaches the Senate, lawmakers must ensure fairness in their proceedings.

“Sana kapag ito ay napunta na rin sa Senado ay maging patas ang mga manghuhusga, ang mga senador natin,” Castro said.

(We hope that once it reaches the Senate, the senators will be fair.)

Castro emphasized that the responsibility now lies with the upper chamber.

“Nasa Senado na po iyan, nasa kamay na po iyan ng Senado,” she said.

(It is now in the Senate’s hands.)

“Kung anuman ang gagawin nila diyan ay kung papabor para sa taumbayan o papabor lang sa iisang tao, bahala na po ang taumbayan humusga,” she added.

(Whatever they do—whether it favors the public or just one person—the people will be the ones to judge.)