Malacañang said the prosecution in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may face difficulties in presenting “Mary Grace Piattos” as a witness, after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reportedly found no record of the individual’s existence.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the move is part of the prosecution’s “strategy,” but noted that it could be challenging if official records show no birth registration under the name.
“Strategy nila, pero kung ayon sa PSA ay walang Mary Grace Piattos, so baka mahirapan silang makita kung sino iyong Mary Grace Piattos. Pero nasa kanila po iyan kung anong style or strategy,” Castro said in a briefing in Malacañang.
The prosecution has said it intends to present 57 witnesses in the impeachment trial, including “Piattos,” who is linked to alleged confidential fund disbursements under the Office of the Vice President.
Castro, however, said the executive branch will not be distracted by the impeachment proceedings and will continue focusing on government priorities and projects.
“Ang ehekutibo po, ang Pangulo, hindi po naaantala ang mga proyekto; patuloy pong nagtatrabaho kahit ano pa po ang isyu,” she said.
She added that the Senate is expected to fulfill its mandate as an impeachment court and legislative body, expressing confidence that senators will carry out their duties and schedules responsibly.
Castro also said she hopes there will be no further boycotts of Senate sessions, stressing the need for continuity in legislative and impeachment proceedings.