Malacañang on Wednesday responded to Senator Pia Cayetano's suggestion that the Senate could ask the Palace to convene a special session if needed during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports Senate actions only if they are lawful.
The issue was raised by DZRH reporter Leth Narciso during the Palace press briefing, noting Cayetano's statement that if a special session was necessary to discuss the impeachment rules, the Senate could simply "call Malacañang," adding that the Palace appeared supportive of the Senate majority.
In response, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro first expressed concern over Cayetano's condition during her recent public appearances.
“Unang-una gusto po natin kumustahin si Sen. Pia Cayetano. Kumusta na po ba si Sen. Pia Cayetano? Dahil sa tuwing nagsasalita siya very recently, ay lagi siyang parang hinihingal. At di natin alam kung excitement, anxiety, pero siguro napansin ninyo rin na medyo hingal na hingal si Sen. Pia sa kanyang pananalita,” Castro said.
Castro added that if calling for a special session was Cayetano's suggestion, the senator herself could pursue the matter.
“Kung iyon ang kanyang suggestion, siguro hindi niya na kailangan mag-utos sa iba. Maaari naman niya siguro itong gawin,” she said.
The Palace official also clarified that President Marcos' support for the Senate does not extend to every decision made by the chamber but only to actions that comply with the law, the Constitution, and established legal procedures.
Referring to the President's previous remarks during a media interview, Castro said Marcos had made clear that he respects the Senate's independence under the principle of separation of powers.
“Sinabi naman niya na kung ano man ang isinasagawa, nagiging desisyon sa Senado, ito naman ay kanyang susuportahan. So, susuportahan po ng Pangulo because of the separation of powers, but susuportahan po ang ginagawa ng Senado as long as those activities are within the bounds of law,” Castro said.
She stressed that the president would not support actions that violate the law, citing hypothetical examples.
“Basta tama lang po at naaayon sa batas, naaayon sa proseso, naaayon sa jurisprudence, iyan naman po ay susuportahan ng Pangulo,” she added.
The Palace reiterated that while the executive respects the Senate's authority over the impeachment proceedings, its support is anchored on adherence to legal and constitutional processes.
