Senators Erwin and Raffy Tulfo expressed their preference for Vice President Sara Duterte to personally appear before the Senate impeachment court to answer the allegations leveled against her.
Senator Erwin Tulfo noted that the impeachment court serves as the proper venue for the Vice President to counter public misinformation and present evidence in her defense before the senator-judges deliver their final verdict.
”This is the proper forum,” Tulfo said.
”The court is always a proper forum,” he added.
While Erwin Tulfo acknowledged that his view likely reflects the sentiments of other senator-judges, he underscored that the Senate cannot compel her attendance.
Citing the trial of former President Joseph Estrada as precedent, he noted that the tribunal could extend an invitation to Duterte out of courtesy to her office, but must respect her decision if she chooses not to appear.
However, he warned that her absence would mean forfeiting a key opportunity to directly address the court and her supporters.
”If she doesn’t want to, there’s nothing we can do. We cannot subpoena her,” Tulfo said.
”For me, this is the right forum for her to speak, so that everyone can hear her,” he added.
Echoing his brother’s sentiment, Senator Raffy Tulfo stated that hearing the responses directly “from the horse’s mouth” would provide much-needed clarity, particularly on inquiries that her legal representatives have been unable to fully resolve.
The calls for her appearance came after Day 23 of the Senate impeachment trial began with a major development, as House prosecution panel member Atty. Lorna Kapunan formally requested before Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, presiding officer of the impeachment court to call the Vice President to the witness stand.