Vice President Sara Duterte will continue performing her executive responsibilities in government while her defense team represents her in the ongoing impeachment trial, her legal representatives announced during a media briefing on Wednesday, September 2.
Atty. Justin Nicol Gular, deputy spokesperson for Duterte’s defense panel, clarified that the Vice President delegated the responsibility of attending court sessions to her lawyers so she could stay focused on serving the public.
“The Vice President has entrusted to the defense team the duties of attending the impeachment trial,” Gular stated.
Gular explained that requiring Duterte’s constant physical attendance would prove difficult due to the rigorous schedule and heavy workload associated with her office.
“Marami rin trabaho ang Bise Presidente natin. Mahirap naman po kung ang Bise Presidente natin ay, you know, at all times, nandito sa impeachment court,” he remarked.
However, the legal team noted that Duterte remains open to appearing before the tribunal in person whenever the court considers her presence necessary.
“If kinakailangan, a-attend naman po si Bise Presidente,” Gular added.
The defense spokesperson emphasized that the decision to have counsel stand in for the Vice President was made to prioritize public service while legal proceedings run their course.
“The only reason why the Vice President entrusted the defense team to attend the impeachment trial is to ensure that she is able to continue to serve the public as the Vice President of our nation,” he said.
Gular pointed out that governing rules permit accused officials to participate through legal representation, a practice aligned with precedent set in previous impeachment cases.
“The Vice President is not required to personally attend the trial,” Gular affirmed.
Outside the courtroom, Duterte was seen joining Catholic faithful in Naga City on September 1 at the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore, where she attended a Holy Mass celebrating the opening of this year’s Peñafrancia festival.