Kazan: Vice President Sara Z. Duterte owes it to the people to answer the charges against her. La Union 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V stated that the second highest official of the land must be present at the impeachment trial so that she could air her side. "If the people is asking questions and looking for answers, it is better to come from the horse's mouth. The answer must come from the person involved," he said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ortega emphasized the importance of integrity for someone holding high office. He noted, "Besides, integrity is important because if you are putting yourself to a higher standard, let's pretend that I am running for president or vice president of the Philippines, you have an obligation to the people to answer." Ortega further added that if Duterte will not attend the hearing, it is up to her defense on how they will handle these matters.

The pre-trial conference for the impeachment trial commenced on Thursday and is scheduled to resume on June 22. The impeachment trial itself is set to begin on July 6.