MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court will move forward with the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte regardless of whether her legal team participates in the upcoming trial sessions, Senate President Win Gatchalian declared on Thursday, September 24.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Senate hearing, Gatchalian affirmed that the absence of defense counsel would not halt the trial.
“As long as we have a quorum, the trial will continue,” Gatchalian said.
“(Even) without the defense (lawyers), the trial will continue,” he added.
Gatchalian’s statements came a day after the Senate voted to amend its voting threshold formula for determining the conviction or acquittal of the Vice President.
Following that vote, lead defense counsel Atty. Sheila Sison announced on Wednesday, September 23, that any future appearances or participation by Duterte’s defense panel, starting Monday, September 28, would be conducted ad cautelam—or with an express reservation of rights.
Addressing whether the defense team could legally boycott the upcoming trial dates, Gatchalian acknowledged that skipping the proceedings remains within their rights, though the court intends to push forward.
“Well, that is their option. We can’t stop them from attending or not. But the trial has already started, so we need to finish this,” the Senate chief said.
Meanwhile, during a post-trial press briefing on Wednesday, defense panel member and spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa disclosed that Duterte’s camp is weighing a petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court to halt the trial while they contest the Senate’s decision on the voting threshold.
Gatchalian acknowledged the potential legal challenge, stating that the defense is fully within its rights to seek judicial relief.
“But that depends on the grant. So that’s in the realm of possibility,” he said.