Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante argued on Friday, September 4, that Vice President Sara Duterte should be called to testify before the Senate impeachment court to clarify the utilization of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.
Abante’s call followed statements from prosecution witnesses who admitted they lacked direct insight into how the funds were ultimately disbursed.
As one of the endorsers of an impeachment complaint against the Vice President, Abante asserted that Duterte should personally address the allegations before the senator-judges rather than relying on her legal representatives and staff to speak on her behalf.
“Dapat nang talaga ma-subpoena na ang Vice President, siya na mismo ang humarap,” Abante said during a virtual press briefing.
Abante emphasized that issuing a subpoena would benefit the Vice President by giving her an opportunity to address the accusations directly, adding that a summons does not imply guilt.
“This is good for the Vice President. Maganda rin sa kanya ’yan, sapagkat she will be able to answer all the allegations against her. At pag siya ay na-subpoena, hindi naman ibig sabihin guilty siya. We’re not actually saying na guilty siya,” he explained.
The impeachment trial is entering its third month, with Duterte absent from all 21 proceedings held to date. Presiding Officer and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero previously ruled that her physical presence is not mandatory, provided she is represented by her legal team.
Duterte faces charges involving the alleged mismanagement of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds assigned to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Abante maintained that the responsibility now falls on the defense team to respond to the evidence submitted by the prosecution.
“The burden of proof is now on the defense lawyers kung anong gagawin nila,” said the veteran solon from Manila.
“Sapagkat nagawa na po ng prosecution team lahat ng magagawa at nailabas na po ang mga ebidensya na kinakailangan nilang sagutin po nang maayos,” he added.
The prosecution team is set to conclude its presentation for Article I—focusing on the alleged misuse of confidential funds—on Wednesday, September 9, pending any final stipulations or witness testimony.