MANILA — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will proceed even if she does not personally attend the hearings, according to House prosecutor Rep. Joel Chua.
Chua, speaking in a televised interview, clarified that the Senate impeachment court’s summons requires only two things from the Vice President: her appearance before the court and the submission of her formal answer to the impeachment charges.
He said the Vice President has several options—she may appear personally, allow her legal counsel to represent her, or choose not to participate based on legal strategy. Regardless of her decision, the proceedings will continue.
If neither Duterte nor her lawyers appear, the court will still move forward and automatically enter a not-guilty plea on her behalf, in line with Senate Resolution No. 39 governing impeachment procedures in the 20th Congress.
Chua added that the next stage after pleadings is pre-trial, where both sides will define evidence, identify witnesses, and clarify trial issues to ensure orderly proceedings.
He emphasized that the prosecution expects the Vice President to respond publicly to the accusations, saying it would help clarify the allegations being raised against her.
While addressing political concerns over recent Senate leadership changes, Chua noted that some senators in the current majority are perceived as politically close to Duterte. However, he said the House prosecution is giving the Senate the benefit of the doubt following its formal convening as an impeachment court and oath-taking as impartial judges.
Chua reiterated that the prosecution is ready to present its case and is simply seeking a fair opportunity before the Senate of the Philippines impeachment court.
Conviction requires a two-thirds vote, or at least 16 of 24 senator-judges. Otherwise, the Vice President will be acquitted.
The articles of impeachment cite alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds, questionable SALN declarations, bribery accusations during her time at the Department of Education, and alleged grave threats against key government officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
ia/xf
