Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante again challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to personally appear before the ongoing impeachment trial and answer the allegations against her.
In an interview with Brigada NewsFM Manila, Abante said it was important for Duterte herself to explain the issues raised against her, particularly the use of confidential funds and questioned expenses that emerged during the investigation.
The lawmaker said disbursing officers and other officials should not be the ones answering on behalf of the vice president because Duterte herself could provide clarification on the allegations.
Abante also raised questions about unidentified individuals or aliases reportedly connected to some expenses and transactions involving the Office of the Vice President.
He said that if the individuals were not real people, he would consider them “ghosts.”
Abante emphasized that the impeachment proceedings were not intended to immediately establish Duterte’s guilt.
Instead, he said the proceedings should determine whether the vice president committed acts that went beyond or violated her mandate as vice president.
His renewed challenge comes as the impeachment trial continues, with questions surrounding confidential funds and OVP expenditures among the issues he wants Duterte to address personally.
Abante maintained that hearing directly from Duterte would help clarify the allegations being raised against her.
The lawmaker’s remarks focused on the need for the vice president to personally respond to questions concerning the funds and expenses cited during the investigation.
The impeachment proceedings remain ongoing, and Abante said their purpose is to determine whether Duterte committed acts that violated the responsibilities of her office.
