Manila: House impeachment prosecutor Joel Chua announced that the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte will proceed even if she does not appear before the Senate impeachment court. In a televised interview, Chua clarified that the Senate's writ of summons primarily requires the Vice President to submit her answer to the articles of impeachment and enter her plea before the court.

According to Philippines News Agency, Chua explained that Duterte may choose to appear personally, authorize her lawyers to represent her, or abstain from participation as part of her legal strategy. If neither Duterte nor her lawyers appear, the court will automatically enter a plea of not guilty on her behalf, as outlined in Senate Resolution No. 39, which governs impeachment trials for the 20th Congress.

Chua highlighted that after the submission of pleadings, the impeachment court will move to pretrial proceedings where evidence, witnesses, and trial issues will be identified. He emphasized that the pretrial is crucial to avoid surprises during the actual trial, where evidence will be marked, issues identified, and witnesses listed.

Despite Duterte not being required to testify, Chua noted that public expectations for her to address the allegations remain high. He suggested that it would be beneficial for the Vice President to provide explanations to the public. Chua also addressed concerns about the recent shift in Senate leadership, with some members considered politically aligned with Duterte potentially seeking to halt the trial.

Nevertheless, Chua expressed confidence in the Senate's impartiality, as senators have convened the impeachment court and sworn an oath to act impartially. He requested the opportunity to present evidence before the Senate trial. A two-thirds vote, or at least 16 of the 24 senator-judges, is required to convict Duterte on the impeachment charges. Failure to secure the necessary votes will result in her acquittal.

The articles of impeachment against Duterte accuse her of misusing PHP612.5 million in confidential funds, failing to accurately disclose her wealth in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), committing bribery during her tenure as Education secretary, and making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.