Palace defers to Senate on Duterte subpoena decision in impeachment trial

MANILA — The Palace has stepped back from the controversy surrounding a potential subpoena of Vice President Sara Duterte, stating it will defer to the Senate to make the final determination on whether she should be compelled to testify in her own impeachment trial.

Palace Press Secretary Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement on Wednesday, hours after the prosecution panel announced its intention to request the appearance of the Vice President as a witness in the proceedings. Castro's remarks indicate the executive branch will not intervene in what the Palace views as a matter within the legislative body's purview.

The decision to allow senator-judges to decide on the subpoena request underscores the constitutional separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. The impeachment trial continues to draw significant public and political attention as it progresses through the Senate.

The prosecution's move to call the Vice President as a witness represents a significant development in the trial, as it seeks to strengthen its case through direct testimony. How the Senate ultimately rules on the subpoena request remains to be seen, with the decision likely to have major implications for the trajectory of the proceedings.