President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not monitoring the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as he remains focused on his official duties, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Castro said the President has been busy attending meetings and engagements.

“The President is not watching the proceedings because he has many meetings to attend, including Economic Development Council meetings and other official engagements,” Castro said in Filipino.

Palace reacts to ‘bloodbath’ remark

Castro also commented on Duterte’s statement during her brief visit to the Senate on Tuesday: “In this bloodbath, in this bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed.”

She said it was ironic that the Vice President described the proceedings as a “bloodbath,” noting that Duterte herself had earlier called for the impeachment trial to proceed.

“She feels this is a bloodbath but we know this is what she herself wanted. She was the one who called for this process. Yet in her brief remarks yesterday, we still did not hear any denial of the allegations against her. She left the response to her lawyers, which is probably part of their strategy,” Castro said.

“But perhaps the public would rather hear the Vice President herself directly deny the accusations against her instead of relying solely on technical defenses,” she added.

Castro also alluded to Duterte’s use of language from the famous poem “Invictus” by English writer William Ernest Henley.

“If that is her opinion and what she believes, no one can stop her from saying it. But this issue will indeed become bloody if the public does not see the truth, and that is what Filipinos are looking for — the truth behind the accusations against her,” Castro said.

Claire answers Pia

Castro likewise reacted to Sen. Pia Cayetano’s statement that the Senate majority may ask Malacañang to call a special session if necessary during the impeachment trial.

“First of all, we would like to ask Senator Pia Cayetano how she is doing. Lately, whenever she speaks, she seems out of breath. We do not know whether it is because of excitement or anxiety, but perhaps you have also noticed that she appears to be struggling for breath while speaking,” Castro said.

Cayetano had said during the opening day of the trial that Malacañang could be requested to convene a special session to address proposed amendments to the impeachment rules.

Castro maintained that the President respects the Senate’s independence and would support any actions taken by the chamber only if they are within the bounds of law.

“The President respects the separation of powers and will support the Senate as long as its actions are within the bounds of the law. He will not support decisions that violate the law or due process,” she said.