President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not monitor the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, July 6, as he remains focused on his official duties, a Palace official said.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president does not need to closely follow the proceedings, noting he will be informed of developments through regular reports and news updates.

“Hindi naman kinakailangang mag-monitor ang pangulo. Malalaman naman din niya kung ano ang magiging balita dito,” Castro said.

“Mas maraming dapat na trabahuhin ang ating pangulo at hindi siya mauupo lang para manood ng impeachment trial,” she added.

The Senate is set to convene as an impeachment court to hear the case against Duterte, the president’s former running mate, marking the start of proceedings that could determine her political future.

Malacañang maintained that public officials facing accusations should answer them through proper legal channels. Castro said responding to allegations is the appropriate way to clear one’s name if no wrongdoing was committed.

She added that it would be better for Duterte to personally face the impeachment trial and address the accusations against her.

Meanwhile, lawyer Michael Poa confirmed that Duterte will not attend the opening of her impeachment trial on Monday.