House prosecutor Chel Diokno said Vice President Sara Duterte is required to appear before the impeachment court to enter a plea in the impeachment case she faces.
According to Diokno, the requirement is part of the procedures mandated under the Senate Rules on Impeachment Trials.
He said the rules clearly require the vice president to answer the Articles of Impeachment and to participate in a hearing where the court can determine her plea.
Diokno explained that if Duterte continues to refuse to appear before the impeachment court, the court itself may enter a plea of not guilty on her behalf, in accordance with the rules governing impeachment proceedings.
The House prosecutor also maintained that the impeachment court should issue a writ of summons once the trial formally begins on July 6. The summons would require the vice president to make an official entry of appearance before the court.
According to Diokno, these procedures are clearly outlined in the Senate’s impeachment rules and are part of the standard process for impeachment cases.
Meanwhile, the congressman said he does not believe the ongoing developments and internal issues in the Senate would provide an advantage to Duterte’s defense team.
He stressed that the final outcome of the impeachment proceedings should be based on the evidence presented before the impeachment court rather than disputes involving Senate leadership or internal conflicts within the chamber.
Diokno emphasized that the impeachment process is governed by established rules and procedures that all parties are expected to follow.
The impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on July 6, with the Senate impeachment court expected to undertake the procedural steps required under its rules as the case moves forward.
