VANCOUVER, Canada — Malacañang on Friday (Saturday in Manila) said that Vice President Sara Duterte should show up in her impeachment trial to clear her name, stressing that due process includes facing allegations in the proper forum.
In a press conference here, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the impeachment trial would demonstrate Duterte's ability to respond to allegations and face witnesses should she attend the trial in person.
"It is the right of a respondent, a defendant, or even an accused person to personally confront the witnesses testifying against them," Castro said.
"And regarding the lawyers—if they know their client is innocent and has done nothing wrong—it would be better to demonstrate to our fellow citizens and the entire world that the vice president is clean," she added.