Zubiri calls VP Sara impeachment a 'witch hunt'

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri described the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as a "witch hunt," alleging it aims to remove her from public service and eliminate rivals for the 2028 presidential race.

House prosecutors strongly rebuked Zubiri's statement, calling it an "insult" and urging senator-judges to review the evidence before making such pronouncements.

Zubiri, however, also stated that the Senate impeachment court must follow the constitutional process and set aside personal biases.

Malacañang, through Press Secretary Claire Castro, reminded senator-judges to remain neutral and avoid expressing biases, emphasizing that labeling the trial a "witch hunt" is premature.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, citing charges including betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The impeachment complaint was endorsed by over 200 lawmakers, exceeding the one-third requirement stipulated in the Constitution for trial by the Senate.