Talks about VP replacement still premature at this point, says Palace
Vice President Sara Duterte emerges from the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Friday, October 9, 2026, after appearing before the court in connection with three counts of grave threats. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Any talk about replacement of the Vice President is premature at this point, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Tuesday.
This comes after Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s call to senators to reject offers to be Vice President should VP Sara Duterte be convicted.
“Hindi po dapat pinag-uusapan ang pagpalit kay Bise Presidente sa panahon na ito, napaka-premature. Para sa akin, igalang natin ang opisina ng Bise Presidente,” Castro said.
“Kung mayroon mang hindi gumagalang sa Pangulo, kung mayroon mang nagpapahayag ng mga negatibo sa Pangulo – kahit hindi na siya ang irespeto, irespeto na lang natin ang opisina ng Bise Presidente,” she added.
The Palace official asserted talking about possible replacement to the VP is improper while the impeachment trial is still ongoing.
“Pangalawa, wala naman siyang karapatang magdikta sa lahat ng senador kung anong gusto ng senador; at pangatlo, ay wala rin po siyang karapatan pangunahan ang nais ng Pangulo,” Castro added.
Impeachment trial Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero earlier declared he will not accept if he will be offered to be Vice President.
Meanwhile, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian is urging an end to the discussion of picking a replacement for the vice president.
“Tapusin muna natin yung impeachment before we talk about that,” he said. “To be fair sa respondent, ‘di pa na-present ang defense yung kanilang ebidensya at testimony so pakinggan muna natin dahil bago tayo mag-isip ng next steps.”
The impeachment trial resumes November 9, with the defense panel expected to present evidence on Article 2 on unexplained wealth.