Vice President Sara Duterte did not personally attend the opening day of her impeachment trial before the Senate, opting instead to be represented by her legal counsel.
Speaking at a press conference, Atty. Michael Poa said Duterte’s decision to appear through counsel is consistent with the rules governing impeachment proceedings and does not reflect a lack of accountability or transparency.
“In accordance with the impeachment rules, it is her right to appear through counsel,” Poa said. “For now, we can say that she will not attend today. She is appearing through counsel.”
The Vice President’s absence came amid calls from Malacañang for her to personally answer the allegations before the Senate impeachment court rather than issuing public statements criticizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Earlier, President Marcos said Duterte’s personal appearance at the trial could help clarify the issues surrounding the impeachment case. However, he acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with the Vice President and her legal team.
In response, Duterte maintained that the opinion of a sitting president has no bearing on an impeachment proceeding, emphasizing that the process must be governed by the Constitution, due process, and the rule of law.
“The opinion of a President in an impeachment proceeding is of no importance. Impeachment proceedings must be guided by the Constitution and due process. The respondent has the right to be represented by counsel, and the decision to personally testify is a matter of legal strategy and constitutional rights,” Duterte said in a statement.
President Marcos also remarked that, if faced with a similar situation, he would likely choose to appear personally to address the allegations, even if advised otherwise by his legal team.
Following Duterte’s statement, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro urged the Vice President to present her explanations before the impeachment court instead of making public pronouncements.
Castro also challenged Duterte to adhere to the principles she cited in her statement.
“VP Sara should practice what she preaches now,” Castro said.
