Manila: Vice President Sara Z. Duterte is required to personally appear before the Senate impeachment court to enter her plea, as stated by House prosecutor Chel Diokno of Akbayan Party-list. During a press conference, Diokno emphasized that the Senate Rules on Impeachment Trials necessitate the respondent to not only file an answer to the articles of impeachment but also to appear before the impeachment court, ensuring that her plea is formally recorded.
According to Philippines News Agency, Diokno mentioned that a prior hearing would be scheduled for this purpose. He noted, "If she refuses to appear, the impeachment court will enter a plea of not guilty on her behalf." Diokno further explained that the rules provide the respondent the option of entering a plea of guilty during that hearing. The prosecution anticipates that such proceedings will occur before the formal trial begins on July 6, as outlined in the impeachment rules. Consequently, the Senate impeachment court should issue a writ of summons for Duterte's entry of appearance.
When questioned about whether internal disputes in the Senate could benefit Duterte's defense team, House trial spokesperson Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co clarified that political issues should not be considered advantageous for either side. Co emphasized that both the prosecution and defense are bound by the evidence presented in court. Diokno concurred, stating that delaying the trial would not favor the Vice President, as judgment should be based on evidence.
Co added that any delay in the proceedings would affect all parties involved, including the defense, as the impeachment process aims to resolve the allegations conclusively. "Kaya ang gusto natin matapos na ang paglilitis para sa punot-dulo nito kung ano man ang alegasyon (So what we want is to finish the trial to find the root cause, whatever the allegations are)," she expressed. "Ang pagtutuloy-tuloy ng paglilitis (the continuance of the trial) will be to the advantage of due process and all institutions facing these allegations."
Following Duterte's submission of what the prosecution describes as a "non-answer" to the articles of impeachment on June 1, the panel decided to file a manifestation on Monday. They asserted that her persistent refusal to address allegations with proper explanations does not warrant a formal reply. The House prosecution panel plans to submit a pretrial brief to the Senate impeachment court on June 15, with a conference scheduled for June 18, and the trial set to commence on July 6.
