VP Sara Duterte skips first day of her impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte will miss the opening day of her impeachment trial, her defense team’s spokesperson announced on Monday.

During a press conference, Atty. Michael Poa pointed to Duterte’s recent statement, where she argued that sending legal counsel in her place “does not diminish accountability or imply a lack of transparency.”

LIVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte

“In accordance with the impeachment rules, it is her right to appear through counsel,” Poa said.

“For now, we can say that she will not attend today. She is appearing through counsel,” he added.

READ: Adiong: Senate court to decide if ex-sheriff can skip Sara Duterte trial

Duterte’s absence came despite the impeachment court’s invitation for her to attend the trial proper.

Her impeachment trial is expected to run for 92 trial days, which means it may extend until early 2027. /mcm

READ: Sara Duterte impeachment trial: All you need to know

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