Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon on Monday called out Vice President Sara Duterte for her continued absence as her Senate impeachment trial entered its fifth week.
Ridon highlighted that Duterte has yet to attend a single hearing in person during the ongoing trial.
”Sa ikalimang linggo o ikalabing-isang araw ng paglilitis, wala pa ring Vice President Sara Duterte sa loob ng Senate impeachment court,” Ridon said in a brief statement.
Addressing her recent foreign travel, the lawmaker urged the Vice President to come back and personally participate in the proceedings.
”Muli, nasaan man po kayo sa mundo Madam Vice President, harapin po natin ang paglilitis, harapin natin ang katotohanan,” Ridon added.
Duterte traveled abroad from July 16 to 31 with stops in Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Her trip coincided with the House prosecution team transitioning to Article I of the impeachment complaint, which focuses on allegations involving the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.
Prior to addressing Article I, prosecutors wrapped up their presentation on Article IV, which involves allegations that Duterte made death threats on November 23, 2024 against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Despite the lawmaker’s criticism, the Senate impeachment court has explicitly stated that Duterte’s physical presence is not required.
Presiding Officer and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero previously clarified that the Vice President is permitted to be absent since her legal team is actively representing her throughout the trial.