The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte said Friday they are prepared for any scenario, including the Senate’s swift convening as an impeachment court, recognizing that the timeline remains within the chamber’s discretion.
In a radio interview, Duterte’s defense spokesperson Michael Poa expressed hope that lawmakers will consider their objections during the House Committee on Justice proceedings, while stressing readiness if the complaint is transmitted to the Senate.
“It’s been absolutely within their discretion kung gaano kabilis or kung kailangan pa ba nila mga oras para lang mag-convene siya ng court, (how quickly or if they need more time just to convene a court) Poa said over 105.9 True FM.
This statement was in response to Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s announcement that the Senate will convene the next day once the Articles of Impeachment are received.
The Supreme Court said the Senate can decide the timeline for convening as an impeachment court, interpreting “forthwith” as convening the body at a “reasonable time,” regardless of the specific timeframe.
Poa clarified that Duterte’s attendance at all Senate impeachment proceedings is not guaranteed, as her presence depends on necessity.
He cited past impeachments, including those of former President Joseph Estrada and former Chief Justice Renato Corona, noting they did not attend every hearing but appeared only when required.
“Titingnan lang po natin kung saan kinakailangan mag-attend o kung meron incident sa isang hearing na kung kung saan kailangan talaga nandoon ang bise presidente, (We will have to find out, if it is necessary to attend or if there is an incident in the hearing, where the vice president really needs to be there)” Poa said.
On Wednesday (April 29), 53 lawmakers unanimously voted to establish probable cause in the impeachment case against the Vice President.
The House Committee on Justice’s findings and final vote enabled it to submit its report and Articles of Impeachment to the plenary.
To impeach the Vice President, a one-third vote of all House members is required, which will then advance the case to the Senate for trial.
