MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte maintained that she has no reason to personally attend her ongoing impeachment trial, saying her defense team is already fully representing her in the proceedings.
Duterte made the statement on Wednesday during a chance interview in Zamboanga City, amid calls for her to appear before the Senate impeachment court in person.
According to the vice president, the presence and participation of her lawyers are sufficient to represent her interests throughout the proceedings.
She argued that having her defense lawyers actively participate in the trial is effectively equivalent to her own attendance as the respondent.
Duterte also pointed out that she is not a lawyer and therefore would not be able to directly participate in the presentation or cross-examination of witnesses.
“Hindi po totoo ‘yun kasi fully represented ako ng ating defense team,” Duterte said, maintaining that her legal representatives are capable of handling the proceedings on her behalf.
She also called for the impeachment proceedings to move forward without unnecessary delays, citing the provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
Impeachment trial continues
The Senate impeachment court is currently hearing the case against Duterte, with the prosecution presenting evidence concerning allegations against her.
Among the charges being tackled is the alleged misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education.
As of the latest proceedings, eight prosecution witnesses have been presented, including former OVP Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta.
Acosta has testified about the alleged release of confidential funds involving Duterte’s office, making the issue of the vice president’s personal attendance a subject of renewed discussion.
The House prosecution panel has maintained that Duterte’s personal appearance would demonstrate respect for the impeachment process, although it also acknowledged that she may be represented by counsel under the rules.
House prosecution spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong said Duterte’s appearance is particularly important following Acosta’s testimony regarding the alleged release of P125 million in confidential funds to Duterte’s security chief, Col. Raymund Lachica.
Meanwhile, the prosecution panel has expressed support for Duterte’s call for a speedy resolution of the impeachment case but stressed that the proceedings must still observe due process.
The impeachment trial began on July 16, 2026, and continues to examine the allegations against the vice president. (Inquirer.net)
