Malacañang says it would be better for Vice President Sara Duterte to appear in person at her impeachment trial to help demonstrate her innocence. Speaking through Palace press officer Claire Castro on Saturday, the Palace said that if Duterte believes she has done nothing wrong, her attendance could allow her side to show her position to the Filipino public and other audiences. Castro framed the comments in terms of legal representation, adding that lawyers typically prefer that an accused official demonstrate their innocence if that is the case. The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, is set to begin the trial on Monday. The impeachment proceedings are expected to address the specific grounds cited against Duterte, including allegations that involve corruption and betrayal of public trust. The Palace’s remarks focus on the potential value of Duterte personally presenting her case during the trial, rather than on the merits of the allegations themselves. No additional details about a decision on her attendance were provided in the reports.