The legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte said it is prepared for the impeachment trial before the Senate, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6.
In an interview, Atty. Michael Poa, a member and spokesperson of Duterte’s legal defense team, said the camp has long been preparing for the proceedings and is confident it can present a strong defense during the trial.
Poa said the vice president is also prepared to personally appear before the Senate impeachment court if her presence is required during the proceedings.
He said the defense team is ready to respond to whatever evidence the House prosecution panel may present. According to Poa, both sides are expected to present nearly the same volume of evidence during the trial.
Before the start of the proceedings, Duterte’s camp submitted its pre-trial brief and formal answer to the Articles of Impeachment in compliance with the procedures set by the Senate.
In its pleading, the defense argued that the impeachment complaint contains alleged legal and procedural deficiencies.
Based on those arguments, the defense asked the Senate impeachment court to dismiss the complaint.
The impeachment trial is set to formally begin on Monday, with both the prosecution and defense expected to present their opening statements and address pending motions before the impeachment court.
Poa said the defense remains prepared for the proceedings and is ready to answer the allegations raised in the impeachment complaint through the evidence and arguments it intends to present before the Senate.
The defense team’s statements came days before the scheduled opening of the impeachment trial, as both parties completed their required pre-trial submissions in accordance with the Senate’s procedures.
