Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team said it is fully prepared to face the newly filed impeachment complaints, noting that the allegations largely mirror those raised in earlier cases.
Her legal counsel, Atty. Michael Poa, said the defense is ready regardless of how the complaints move forward in the House of Representatives.
“Mayro’n tayong second round of impeachment complaint at marahil masasabi nating very similar ang mga alegasyon at handa naman nating harapin ang mga alegasyon,” Poa said in an interview.
Poa explained that the next steps depend on whether the House can gather the required one-third of signatures or refer the complaints to the Committee on Justice.
“Sa aming pananaw, that is well within the discretion and wisdom of the House. Kung mayro’n silang numero for one-third [signatures], maaari ‘yong mangyari. Kung wala naman, maaari itong ma-refer muna sa Committee on Justice, kung saan magkakaroon ng preliminary or initial determination on sufficiency of form or substance,” he said.
He stressed that Duterte’s camp is prepared for any scenario, including a possible trial.
“Kung mapunta sa committee ‘yan, handa naman po tayo doon. At ‘pag one-third naman po, e tutal, naghanda na kami para sa trial. In fact ang ating vice president, last year, nagsabi naman siya na handang-handa na siya to go to trial,” Poa said.
Poa added that the legal team is refining its defenses to address any new allegations included in the complaints.
“Siyempre, since may mga nadagdag nga, isasama na rin natin ‘yung paghahanda sa mga nadagdag sa impeachment complaint,” he explained.
Ultimately, Poa said the decision lies with Congress, while the defense remains ready.
“Kami naman, hinahayan na namin ‘yan sa House of Representatives… Tayo, we’re ready to go to trial… Para sa amin, pareho lang ‘yan. Whatever it is, we’re prepared for it,” he said.