DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte stated on Friday, September 25, that her personal appearance at her upcoming impeachment trial hinges on whether she receives an official summons to testify.
Speaking to reporters in Davao City, Duterte responded to questions regarding House prosecutors’ intention to call her as a witness by noting that no official command for her testimony has been issued yet.
“Well, depende, wala pa namang pagpapatawag sa akin,” Duterte said.
She clarified that her legal interests and participation in the proceedings are currently being handled directly by her defense counsel.
“Yun sabi ko nga, ang impeachment ay isang legal na process at yung pagpunta ng aking mga abogado doon ay yun yung aking appearance at participation doon sa proseso na yan,” she said.
The Vice President’s defense team previously announced it would participate in the Senate impeachment court ad cautelam following a September 23 ruling that altered the voting threshold required for conviction.
Counsel emphasized that joining the trial does not waive their right to seek higher legal remedies.
Duterte added that she remains unbothered by the ongoing legal challenges, leaving all court matters entirely in the hands of her attorneys while her office maintains regular operations.
“Okay lang naman ako, ma’am. Wala naman akong problema. Yung mga legal na problema ko tulad ng impeachment at iba’t ibang kaso, binigay ko na sa mga abogado para asikasuhin nila,” she said.
Meanwhile, Senate President Win Gatchalian confirmed Friday that trial preparations will move forward as scheduled, noting that the Supreme Court has not issued any temporary restraining order to halt the proceedings.