House prosecutors renewed their call on Thursday, August 20, for Vice President Sara Duterte to appear personally at her impeachment trial, emphasizing that her attendance would demonstrate respect for constitutional accountability and allow her to address witness testimonies directly.
The prosecution’s appeal followed a similar call from the Akbayan party, which urged Duterte to attend the trial in person if she truly desires a swift resolution to the proceedings.
Speaking on behalf of the prosecution team, Atty. Benjamin Tolosa acknowledged that while the rules permit representation by legal counsel, growing public expectation favors her direct participation.
”We recognize that under the rules, the Vice President is allowed to either attend in person or through counsel and she chose the latter. So we respect that,” Tolosa said.
Despite respecting her decision, Tolosa pointed out that attending the trial personally would signal reverence for one of the highest accountability processes established by the Constitution.
”We can’t ignore the opinions and sentiments of our fellow citizens who say that it’s good for them to face the personnel to show their respect for this important institutional process, respect for impeachment proceedings,” he said.
Tolosa further noted that should the Vice President continue to decline appearing in person, she remains accountable to the public for that stance.
”Pero kung hindi pa rin siya haharap, again, tulad ng sabi namin, decision yan, at yan ay decision na kailangan ipaliwanag sa taong-bayan,” Tolosa said.