House impeachment prosecutor Joel Chua said that even if Vice President Sara Duterte chooses not to personally appear before the Senate impeachment court, the proceedings against her will continue as scheduled.
In a television interview on Tuesday, Joel Chua pointed out that according to the impeachment trial procedures, subpoenas issued by the Senate serve two main purposes: to require the Vice President to appear in court and to submit a written answer to the articles of impeachment within ten days.
He said that Sara may choose to appear in person, authorize a lawyer to attend on her behalf, or not participate in the process at all—this falls within the defense’s legal strategy.
However, he emphasized that even if neither Sara nor her legal counsel appears, the impeachment court will proceed with the trial and will automatically enter a “not guilty” plea on her behalf.
He noted that this arrangement is clearly stated in Philippine Senate Resolution No. 39, which concerns the rules of impeachment proceedings under the 20th Congress.
Chua further explained that after the answer procedure is completed, the impeachment court will move to the pre-trial stage, which includes confirming evidence, witnesses, and disputed issues to prepare for the formal hearing.
He said that the pre-trial procedure is mainly intended to prevent the two sides from launching “surprise” maneuvers during formal proceedings.
Although Sara is not required to testify in person, Chua believes the public still expects her to address the allegations.
“I think, for the vice president, it would be best to clarify everything in person,” he said.
In addition, he also responded to concerns arising from recent changes in the Senate leadership. There are worries that some members of the new majority, perceived to have close ties with Sara, may attempt to block the continuation of the proceedings.
Even so, he stated that, at present, he is still willing to trust the Senate, as senators have officially convened the impeachment court on Monday and sworn to fulfill their judicial role with impartiality.
Under the Philippine Constitution, at least two-thirds (16 out of 24) of the senators must vote in favor of the impeachment articles for the Vice President to be found guilty; if the votes fall short, Sara will be acquitted.
The articles of impeachment accuse Sara of misusing 612.5 million pesos in confidential funds, failing to declare assets truthfully, accepting bribes while serving as education secretary, and making serious threats against President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
He said that Sara may choose to appear in person, authorize a lawyer to attend on her behalf, or not participate in the process at all—this falls within the defense’s legal strategy.
However, he emphasized that even if neither Sara nor her legal counsel appears, the impeachment court will proceed with the trial and will automatically enter a “not guilty” plea on her behalf.
He noted that this arrangement is clearly stated in Philippine Senate Resolution No. 39, which concerns the rules of impeachment proceedings under the 20th Congress.
Chua further explained that after the answer procedure is completed, the impeachment court will move to the pre-trial stage, which includes confirming evidence, witnesses, and disputed issues to prepare for the formal hearing.
He said that the pre-trial procedure is mainly intended to prevent the two sides from launching “surprise” maneuvers during formal proceedings.
Although Sara is not required to testify in person, Chua believes the public still expects her to address the allegations.
“I think, for the vice president, it would be best to clarify everything in person,” he said.
In addition, he also responded to concerns arising from recent changes in the Senate leadership. There are worries that some members of the new majority, perceived to have close ties with Sara, may attempt to block the continuation of the proceedings.
Even so, he stated that, at present, he is still willing to trust the Senate, as senators have officially convened the impeachment court on Monday and sworn to fulfill their judicial role with impartiality.
Under the Philippine Constitution, at least two-thirds (16 out of 24) of the senators must vote in favor of the impeachment articles for the Vice President to be found guilty; if the votes fall short, Sara will be acquitted.
The articles of impeachment accuse Sara of misusing 612.5 million pesos in confidential funds, failing to declare assets truthfully, accepting bribes while serving as education secretary, and making serious threats against President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.