Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero clarified on Tuesday that Vice President Sara Duterte is not legally required to appear in person at her trial.
Because the Vice President has secured legal counsel to act on her behalf, Escudero explained that her physical attendance remains completely optional under the court’s existing rules.
“The impeachment court do not mandate nor require the respondent to attend any hearing or trial of the impeachment court whether she was in the building earlier or arrived after,” he stated.
“It is totally up to the respondent because from the point of view of the court, she is represented through her counsel already.”
However, Escudero noted that the court could still consider a formal motion from the House prosecution panel if they later seek to legally compel her appearance.
The issue arose after prosecution lawyer Atty. Lorna Kapunan questioned the defense regarding Duterte’s whereabouts, pointing out that the Vice President was spotted inside the Senate building shortly before the trial began.
According to the defense team, Duterte left the premises just minutes before the session officially opened.