Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team has already selected its representative for the September 23 oral arguments on the required voting threshold for conviction in her impeachment trial, defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said Monday.

Poa, however, said the defense will not disclose the representative’s identity ahead of the proceedings.

“We have made a decision on who will be our representative for the oral arguments. We will not disclose it. Hintay na lang po natin siguro pagdating doon sa September 23 session,” Poa said during the defense team’s press conference following Day 24 of the Senate impeachment trial.

He said the defense is now preparing for the oral arguments by studying the laws and other matters relevant to the issue, which centers on the constitutional voting requirement for conviction.

Poa also said the defense plans to closely listen to the September 16 session, when four retired Supreme Court justices are expected to weigh in as amici curiae on the interpretation of the phrase “all members” in the Constitution.

“So, sa ngayon, ang gusto lang din natin gawin is pakinggan po natin yung magiging diskusyon sa September 16. I think it will be very interesting and educational, not just for us, but for the people of the country,” he said.

Poa said the discussions could help both sides prepare for the September 23 oral arguments and allow the public to better understand the constitutional issue.

“It would be nice to hear the thoughts of ex-chief justices and justices of the Supreme Court,” Poa added, saying the defense would “listen intently” to the discussions and anticipate points that could affect its position.

The Senate impeachment court has scheduled the oral arguments for September 23 as part of its consideration of the proper voting threshold for a conviction in Duterte’s impeachment case.