Manila: House Committee on Justice Chair Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro on Thursday said Vice President Sara Duterte's absence from the next phase of impeachment proceedings could leave the allegations against her unchallenged and hasten the case's transmission to the Senate.

According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro stated that the panel's finding that the third and fourth impeachment complaints were sufficient in grounds was driven largely by the respondent's failure to directly answer the allegations. She emphasized the importance of this process for Duterte, noting that it provides her camp with the opportunity to respond to the charges before the case advances to the House plenary and potentially the Senate, which would act as the impeachment court.

"If their position is not to participate, then that is tantamount to saying na mata-transmit talaga ito sa (that it will really be transmitted to) Senate because unrebutted ang (are the) evidence ng (of the) complainant," Luistro remarked during an interview with ANC's Headstart. She added, "What is important, we are giving her the opportunity. Whether she attends or not, it will be her choice. It will be her decision."

Luistro further explained that the hearing proper, which she referred to as a "mini-trial," would allow both parties to present witnesses and evidence before the panel determines probable cause. "This is just a proceeding before the Justice Committee, similar to a preliminary investigation by a fiscal in a criminal case where the participation of lawyers are actually not encouraged," the Batangas lawmaker clarified.

She noted that if the Vice President does not provide a counter, the complainant's evidence would remain unrebutted, increasing the likelihood of finding probable cause.