MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has cast doubt on attending her upcoming Senate impeachment trial, describing the proceedings as a “sarswela” or staged drama, while her legal team evaluates its strategy following a key Senate ruling on conviction voting rules.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, September 25, Duterte clarified that she has not received a formal subpoena to testify, despite indications from the prosecution team that they intend to call her to the witness stand.
“Anong ibig sabihin, ma’am? Manood ako doon sa kanilang sarswela?,” Duterte said.
The Vice President asserted that because impeachment remains a formal judicial process, representation by her defense council legally satisfies her personal presence and involvement.
“Well, depende, wala pa namang pagpapatawag sa akin,” Duterte said.
“At yun sabi ko nga, ang impeachment ay isang legal na process at yung pagpunta ng aking mga abogado doon ay yun yung aking appearance at participation doon sa proseso na yan,” she added.
Her defense team is currently deliberating its next moves after the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, finalized its stance on the required voting threshold for a conviction.
Atty. Paolo Panelo, spokesperson for the Vice President, noted that the legal team led by Atty. Sheila Sison will review their approach before committing to further steps or announcements.
“Siguro, may malalaman natin sa Monday kung dadalo. Pero sa ngayon, wala akong firm information about that,” Panelo said.
“Abangan na lang natin yung mga susunod na pahayag ng VP Sara at kung may announcement sa pag-file ng kaso,” he added.