Malacañang has raised concerns over the request of Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal camp to exclude key documents from evidence in the ongoing impeachment proceedings involving allegations of unexplained wealth.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Tuesday that removing what she described as the “core” evidence of the case raises questions on how the Vice President intends to address the allegations if central documents are taken out of the prosecution’s presentation.
Castro stressed that the executive branch is not interfering in the impeachment process, saying the matter is ultimately for the Senate sitting as an impeachment court to resolve.
“Pero sa ating pagkakaalam, ito iyong pinaka-core eh, ito iyong pinaka-meat ng kaso… So kung pinapatanggal niya ito, papaano niyang maipapakita sa bayan na siya ay tuwid at malinis at walang unexplained wealth?” she said.
Duterte’s camp has reportedly sought the exclusion of around 28 documents, including several Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) covering previous years, from the evidence to be presented by the prosecution.
Castro said the documents in question form a central part of the allegations and are essential in examining claims of unexplained wealth.
She added that Malacañang has taken note of the Vice President’s recent presentation of an accomplishment report, but emphasized that such reports must be supported by verifiable documentation.
“Okay. Noted,” she said, when asked for comment on the report.
Duterte had earlier said she faced difficulties in reporting to the public due to what she described as baseless criticisms and systematic attacks against her office.
Castro, however, reiterated that public reports and official statements must be backed by evidence rather than figures alone, underscoring the importance of transparency in government accountability.
The impeachment proceedings continue before the Senate, which will determine the admissibility of evidence and other procedural matters in the case.