Cagayan De Oro City:Malacañang has labeled Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's appeal to his fellow senators to reject any offer to become vice president as 'premature.' This statement comes in light of the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Philippines News agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed the issue during a press briefing, questioning Cayetano's authority to influence the decisions of other senators. Castro emphasized that Cayetano has no right to dictate what the senators should want.

Under Article VII, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution, the President has the authority to fill a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President by nominating a qualified member of Congress, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of all members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Castro reiterated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. desires the impeachment proceedings to follow due process.

Castro further advised Cayetano and the public to respect the Office of the Vice President and allow the impeachment process to unfold before discussing potential successors. She stated, "First of all, we should not be discussing replacing the Vice President at this time. It is very premature. In my opinion, we should respect the office of the Vice President."

Additionally, Castro highlighted the importance of respecting the Office of the Vice President, regardless of criticisms from some members of Duterte's camp toward the President. She urged that even if there are negative views about the President, the office should still be respected until the conclusion of the impeachment trial.