Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s opinion on her impeachment trial is of “no importance,” insisting that the proceedings must be guided by the Constitution and due process.
In a statement, Duterte said the respondent in an impeachment case has the constitutional right to be represented by counsel and that the decision to testify personally is a matter of legal strategy.
“The burden remains on the prosecution to prove its case,” Duterte said. “Choosing to appear through counsel rather than testify personally does not diminish accountability or imply a lack of transparency.”
She added that the integrity of an impeachment trial depends on adherence to the rule of law rather than whether the respondent personally takes the witness stand.
Duterte also said public officials should refrain from injecting personal opinions into matters of public concern and instead rely on the law, established policies, scientific evidence and objective facts.
The statement came after Marcos said he believes Duterte should personally face the impeachment court and answer the allegations against her rather than leave the task solely to her lawyers.
Staff Report30 seconds ago
