President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is too occupied with official duties to monitor the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Palace Press Officer and Claire Castro.

"Hindi naman po nagmu-monitor ang Pangulo... dahil marami pong mga meetings na ina-attend-an ang Pangulo," Castro said during a briefing on Wednesday, citing the President's meetings, including those involving the Energy Development Corporation.

Castro also reacted to Duterte's remark upon arriving at the Senate on Tuesday: "In this bloodbath, in this bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed."

She said Duterte had yet to directly deny the allegations against her and instead allowed her lawyers to handle her defense.

"Mas nanaisin siguro ng taumbayan na marinig mismo kay Bise Presidente ang pagtanggi sa mga akusasyon sa kaniya, hindi lang puro technicalities ang ginagawang depensa," Castro said.

She also suggested Duterte's statement echoed William Ernest Henley's poem Invictus, adding that the public's primary concern is uncovering the truth behind the accusations.

Castro likewise commented on Sen. Pia Cayetano's suggestion that Malacañang could be asked to convene a special session if amendments to the Senate's impeachment rules were needed.

"Unang-una, gusto po nating kumustahin si Senator Pia Cayetano. Kumusta na po ba?" Castro said, remarking that the senator appeared short of breath whenever she spoke recently.

She stressed that while the President respects the Senate's independence under the principle of separation of powers, he would only support actions that comply with the law.

"Basta tama lang po at naaayon sa batas, naaayon sa proseso, naaayon sa jurisprudence, iyon naman po ay susuportahan ng Pangulo," Castro said.