VP Duterte's absence from impeachment trial may be defense strategy

MANILA, Philippines — House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Saturday stressed the importance of Vice President Sara Duterte’s attendance her impeachment trial that is set to begin in July.

Her possible absence, he noted, constitutes a “strategy” for the defense team.

During the Saturday News Forum, Ortega made these remarks when asked if he is expecting Duterte to attend the much-awaited trial.

READ: Groups oppose Chiz Escudero as Sara Duterte trial presiding officer

‘She won’t show up’

The lawmaker said that he personally believes Duterte will still not show up, like what she did during the impeachment proceedings in the 19th Congress.

If Duterte will not attend the impeachment trial, which will begin on July 6 this year, Ortega said that it’s up to her defense team to determine how they will respond to the charges, given that the House prosecution team will present their pieces of evidence against her.

“The non-attendance and not commenting correspond to a strategy. It’s up to the defense on how they will handle it,” Ortega said.

READ: VP Sara impeachment trial: House prosecutors submit pretrial brief

“But if you are facing allegations and answers are needed from you, it’s good for it to come from the horse’s mouth, from the actual person involved,” he suggested.

Four grounds for impeachment

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives last May 11 over four grounds.

These include alleged misuse of confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd); alleged unexplained wealth; alleged distribution of monetary gifts or payments to DepEd officials; and alleged assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Ortega then emphasized the credibility and integrity in answering allegations in the proper trial.

“If you’re putting yourself to a higher standard, let’s say that you’re running for president or vice president, you have an obligation to the public to answer,” he said.

“You’re held to a higher standard than regular people, regular politicians. You were elected, so face the public,” he told the vice president.

Prosecution team prepared

Ortega also said that the 11-man House prosecution panel is prepared for “any scenarios” should Duterte stand as a witness during the trial or not.

He added that Duterte’s defense team may have many “unconventional strategies” for the trial.

The pre-trial conference for the impeachment trial began last Thursday, and will resume on Monday, June 22.

This came after both parties completed the marking of evidence for one article of impeachment, with three articles left to discuss.

READ: Sara Duterte impeachment pre-trial conference to resume Monday, June 22

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