Manila: Vice President Sara Z. Duterte is being called upon to personally explain her alleged threats against top officials at the Senate impeachment court, as stated by House prosecutor and Akbayan Party-list Representative Jose Manuel 'Chel' Diokno on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Diokno, during a press briefing at the House of Representatives, emphasized that it is ultimately up to Duterte and her legal team to decide whether she will testify. He remarked, "That's the call of her lawyers and herself," when questioned about whether Duterte should take the witness stand to address allegations of threatening President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Diokno argued that the court would benefit from hearing Duterte's personal explanation regarding her statements. He noted that the prosecution team is prepared to cross-examine the Vice President if she decides to testify. Additionally, Diokno highlighted that Duterte had been invited to appear during the House Committee on Justice hearings concerning the impeachment complaints but did not attend.

Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment accuses Duterte of contracting an assassin, making grave threats against top officials, and inciting sedition. Duterte has invoked freedom of expression in her defense, a position Diokno challenged by stating that freedom of speech has limits.

The prosecution intends to leave it to the impeachment court to resolve Duterte's arguments. House impeachment prosecutor Leila de Lima echoed Diokno's sentiments, expressing readiness to present their case at the appropriate time and forum. She stated, "We, of course, espouse the contrary view, but we'd rather that we articulate on this in due time before the impeachment court."

Private prosecutor Benjamin 'Jay' Tolosa Jr. pointed out that the impeachment rules require not only the filing of an answer but also the respondent's appearance in court. Although Duterte has submitted her answer, the court has yet to mandate her personal appearance.

Vice President Duterte also faces additional allegations, including misuse of confidential funds, bribery of Department of Education personnel, and unexplained wealth. The Senate impeachment court is set to commence the trial on July 6.