Senate Won’t Force VP Sara Duterte to Attend Impeachment Trial, Says Escudero
SARA DUTERTE – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero stated that the Senate will not compel Vice President Sara Duterte to attend her impeachment trial.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero clarified on Monday that the Senate will not compel Vice President Sara Duterte to attend her impeachment trial. His statement came after Duterte remarked last week that the senators, acting as an impeachment court, might feel “intimidated” by her presence.
“She is free to say what she wants to say, I doubt if that would happen. She is free to say what she wants,” Escudero told reporters in response to Duterte’s claim.
Escudero emphasized that Duterte has the right to waive her appearance unless her presence is deemed necessary. “If she needs to attend, we will make her attend. If she doesn’t need to attend, we won’t force her because that is her right – to waive her right to appear unless it is necessary or needed,” he explained.
The Senate President also addressed the manner in which Duterte would be treated should she decide to attend the proceedings. He noted that her role in the trial would determine how she would be received by the Senate.
“She would attend as what? As a witness? Eh di uupo siya sa witness stand. Puwede siyang i-cross examine. Hindi siya puwedeng tumestigong ‘ito lang sasabihin ko, hindi na ‘ko magsasalita pagkatapos nito.’ Hindi puwede yun ah,” Escudero stated.
He further explained that any direct testimony from Duterte must be subjected to cross-examination before being considered admissible evidence. “Puwede siya magsalita kung gusto niya pero kung hindi siya magpapa-cross examine, may karapatang i-strike yung testimonyang yun,” he said.
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According to the report, Escudero assured that Duterte would be accorded the proper respect regardless of her capacity at the impeachment trial, whether as a lawyer representing herself, as a witness, or merely as a spectator.
The impeachment proceedings against Duterte remain a contentious issue, with political analysts closely watching how the Senate will handle the case. While the Vice President maintains her stance, the Senate aims to ensure a fair and transparent trial in adherence to due process and legal protocols.