Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday rejected claims that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would sideline investigations into the alleged flood control scam, insisting that accountability efforts across government remain active. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro underscored that ongoing inquiries by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Office of the Ombudsman demonstrate that authorities are continuing to pursue corruption-related cases.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro responded to remarks by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, questioning who suggested that attention would solely be on the impeachment trial. She stressed that the Executive branch remains focused on governance and project implementation, noting that impeachment proceedings are not discussed during Cabinet meetings.

'Kapag nagmi-meeting po ang Pangulo with the Cabinet secretaries, hindi po napag-uusapan ang impeachment (When the President meets with the Cabinet secretaries, the Vice President's impeachment is not being discussed),' Castro emphasized.

She added that government agencies continue to perform their mandates independently while the Senate carries out its constitutional role as an impeachment court. The Palace also maintained that efforts to investigate alleged anomalies, including controversial flood control projects, would proceed alongside other accountability mechanisms.

Castro reiterated, 'Patuloy pong nagtatrabaho ang gobyerno (The government continues to work),' highlighting that public service and anti-corruption efforts would not be disrupted by political developments.