Bantay Senado co-convenor Atty. Dino de Leon said that the Vice President Sara Duterte’s possible absence from the impeachment trial shows disrespect for the process mandated by the Constitution.
Bantay Senado co-convenor Dino de Leon said Duterte’s decision—if she opts not to attend—may undermine the seriousness of the constitutional process, even if the choice ultimately rests with her defense team.
“While we appreciate that the decision belongs to her, it does not mean that we like the decision. Tayo ang huhusga ultimately, ang Senado, ay hinuhusgahan ang taumbayan, ang respondent ay huhusgahan din ng taumbayan,” De Leon said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on July 4, 2026.
“Sa aming palagay, ‘yung the mere fact na hindi siya aattend is again a disrespect to the process. Respetuhin natin ang proseso, respetuhin natin ang Saligang Batas," she added.
He also suggested it is unlikely that the Vice President will attend the trial, citing previous instances of non-participation in legislative proceedings.
“Sa aking palagay, hindi pa rin siya dadalo kasi hindi naman sila sanay sa pananagutan, diba? lang beses naman na ginawa 'yan sa budget hearing.Magwa-walkout, magta-tantrum, tapos ayaw nang magpakita,” he said.
De Leon further claimed that there have been repeated instances where Duterte did not appear during impeachment-related proceedings in the House of Representatives.
The Senate impeachment court has earlier directed the Vice President to attend the trial, either personally or through her legal counsel.
Despite this, De Leon said he expects the prosecution to proceed regardless of her presence in the chamber.
Meanwhile, House prosecution team legal spokesperson Benjamin "Jay" Tolosa Jr. said the absence of the respondent will not affect their case presentation.
“It will not affect how we will present our case. We will still present our evidence, bring to the witness stand all of our witnesses, regardless if she is there or not,” Tolosa said at a news forum also held in Quezon City on Saturday.
However, Tolosa acknowledged the public’s call for the Vice President to personally face the impeachment court.
“We, of course, recognize the sentiment of the public that there is a demand to hear her personally, address these allegations, and face the impeachment court. But we have to respect the rules, which allow her the option to appear in person or through counsel,” he said.
“But again, we also take note of the opinion of the people that she should be there,” he added.
The impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6, with both prosecution and defense teams expected to present their initial positions regardless of whether the Vice President appears in person.
