Marcos won't monitor VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial — Palace

Citing his responsibilities, Malacañang on Monday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not watch the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte that will take place this afternoon.

“Hindi naman po kinakailangan mag-monitor ang Pangulo. Malalaman naman po din niya kung ano ang magiging balita rito,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.

(It is not necessary for the President to monitor it personally. He will be informed of whatever developments arise.)

“Mas marami pong dapat na trabahuhin ang ating Pangulo at hindi po siya uupo lamang para po manood ng impeachment trial,” she added.

(Our President has far more important work to do, and he will not simply sit and watch the impeachment trial.)

The Senate is scheduled to convene as an impeachment court at 2 p.m. The Senate impeachment court earlier issued summons to Duterte in connection with the formal opening of her impeachment trial on Monday, July 6.

"You are hereby notified that trial will commence on the 6th day of July at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and are further directed to appear on said date, in person or through counsel, before the Impeachment Court at the Session Hall of the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City," the notice reads.

LIVE UPDATES: Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial (July 6, 2026)

When asked about Marcos’ thoughts on the impeachment, Castro reiterated that they believe that questions that need to be answered must be answered.

“Kung kaya naman po na malinis ang mga pangalan ay dapat lamang pong gawin. Mas maganda pong humarap sa nasabing trial para po siya na mismo ang sumagot ng mga akusasyon laban sa kaniya.

(If there is an opportunity to clear one’s name, then that should be done. It would be better to face the trial so that she herself can respond to the accusations against her.)

Meanwhile, Castro said that the Executive Branch will not meddle in whatever the Senate will decide on the conviction threshold for the trial. — RSJ, GMA News