Manila, July 7 -- Malacanang on Tuesday said Vice President Sara Duterte should personally face the impeachment court to answer the allegations against her, saying it would be the best opportunity to refute the accusations if she has done nothing wrong.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said it is not yet time for Duterte to take the witness stand because the proceedings have yet to reach that stage.

Duterte did not attend the start of her impeachment trial on Monday, saying "the decision to personally testify is a matter of legal strategy and constitutional rights."

Castro, however, said appearing before the impeachment court would allow Duterte to directly confront the evidence and witnesses against her.

"As a Filipino, and as a l...