Malacañang on Thursday said discussions on who could replace Vice President Sara Duterte should she be removed from office had not taken place, stressing that this was out of respect for the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said discussions about a potential successor would be “premature” amid the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
“Hindi pinag-usapan ang papalit kasi malayo pa po tayo sa finish line,” Castro said during a press briefing.
"Hindi po napag-uusapan kung sino ang dapat na pumalit, bilang respeto na po sa opisina ng presidente," she added.
She added that Duterte must first address the allegations against her and that the public should await the outcome of the proceedings before discussing a possible replacement.
Castro also said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the process to take its course and due process to be observed.
“Pati ang Pangulo, hindi sumasagi sa isip niya ang impeachment,” she said, adding that the matter was not currently on the President’s mind.
The remarks came amid discussions over the possible consequences of Duterte’s impeachment and who could succeed her if she were removed from office.
