House Committee on Justice Chairperson and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro warned on Saturday that Vice President Sara Duterte’s continued absence from proceedings could lead to her conviction once the impeachment process reaches the Senate.
Speaking at a news forum, Luistro emphasized that the looming Senate trial represents the Vice President’s final chance to counter the allegations against her, noting that the defense has remained silent throughout the House hearings.
“I wish to believe na dadating ang Bise Presidente. Not only because of what you said na ito yung kuta ng mga kakampi (ni Duterte), but because this is her last opportunity to present her evidence,” Luistro stated.
The lawmaker highlighted that while the House panel has laid out evidence to establish probable cause, the Vice President’s camp has yet to offer any formal rebuttal.
Duterte and her 16-member legal team notably skipped all four clarificatory hearings held by the justice committee despite being formally invited.
“We have never seen the defense evidence, even the slightest way. This is for the reason that in the entire proceeding before the justice committee, the defense team never appeared, never availed of the opportunity and never presented even a single evidence,” she added.
Luistro admitted that defending the Vice President would be a “difficult” task given the weight of the evidence already presented by the complainants.
She warned that failing to show up at the Senate could be a decisive mistake for the defense.
“If she will be missing this opportunity, then we have reason to believe na baka nga mag-result ito sa conviction,” the lawmaker warned.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the impeachment complaint on May 11. Should at least 106 lawmakers—representing one-third of the chamber—vote in favor, the articles of impeachment will be transmitted to the Senate for trial.