House impeachment prosecutors on Thursday expressed disappointment over Vice President Sara Duterte’s absence at the first day of pre-trial proceedings in her impeachment case, saying her presence was expected given her previous statements that she was prepared to face the charges.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, in a press briefing, said Duterte’s non-appearance contrasted with earlier public remarks indicating willingness to confront the allegations before the impeachment court.
“We note that Vice President Sara Duterte was not personally present during the pre-trial conference despite earlier statements that she was ready and willing to face the charges at the proper court,” Rep. Co said.
She noted that Duterte was represented by legal counsel, which is allowed under Senate impeachment rules, but said the public had expected her to attend in person.
“That being said, many are expecting VP Sara Duterte to show up in the pre-trial conference and even during the trial proper,” Rep. Co added, citing prolonged public questions surrounding the allegations.
Rep. Alonto Adiong said Duterte’s personal appearance would have demonstrated the seriousness of her position and willingness to directly address the charges.
“The presence is important, although under Senate rules it is not required,” he said.
He described the impeachment proceedings as historic, involving the country’s second-highest official facing serious allegations that may constitute impeachable offenses.
“This will be a historic impeachment trial. We have not seen in Philippine history the second highest official in the land facing allegations of culpable violations of the Constitution that constitute impeachable offenses,” he said.
Rep. Alonto Adiong added that personal attendance would have reinforced Duterte’s earlier statements that she would face the allegations in the proper forum.
“For us, for the public, it would better reflect sincerity if she personally appears before the impeachment court, in this case during the pre-trial conference,” he said.
He also reiterated Duterte’s earlier public statements that she would face the charges in the appropriate venue.
The Senate impeachment court began pre-trial proceedings on Thursday and is scheduled to continue until June 25, ahead of the start of the trial proper on July 6.