Politics · Philippines Bureau
Marcos Jr. holds off on Duterte replacement talks, cites respect
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet initiated discussions about a potential successor to Vice President Sara Duterte should she be convicted in her ongoing impeachment trial. Palace officials said the administration is maintaining a respectful stance toward the vice president's position.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Office of the President has not broached the subject of naming a replacement for Vice President Sara Duterte in the event of her conviction in the impeachment proceedings, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro on Thursday. Castro cited respect for Duterte's current office as the reason for the administration's silence on contingency planning. The statement came amid recurring speculation about potential successors, with some reports suggesting House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III as a possible candidate should the need arise. Duterte faces multiple impeachment complaints that have advanced to trial in the House of Representatives. The vice president has maintained her innocence and vowed to vigorously defend herself against the charges. Presidential officials have previously sought to distance the Marcos administration from the impeachment proceedings, characterizing them as congressional business rather than an executive matter. The Palace's decision to refrain from public discussion about succession arrangements reflects efforts to avoid the appearance of predetermined outcomes in what remains an ongoing legal process.