President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday said it would be easier for the Senate Impeachment Court to determine the truth if Vice President Sara Duterte personally attends her impeachment trial, while stressing that the decision ultimately rests with the accused and her legal counsel.
Speaking during a media briefing in Canada as part of his state visit, Marcos recalled his experience as a senator-judge during the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, saying it is common for defense lawyers to advise their client on whether to appear before the court.
"My only experience with an impeachment trial was when I was senator with the Corona impeachment trial. And it's really up to the accused whether or not they feel the need to appear. I guess the lawyers on the defense side will give their advice. It's not for me to say one way or the other," Marcos said.
However, the President shared his personal view that direct testimony from the accused could make the proceedings clearer and more efficient.
"But of course, it would be much easier to get to the bottom of everything if you can speak to the accused directly. And the accused can answer directly, not through secondary channels, not through the lawyers. Kung diretsyong nakapagsagot, di siyempre mas magiging maliwanag ang proseso, mas magiging madali ang proseso," he said.
Marcos clarified that his remarks were not a legal opinion, noting that he is not a lawyer, but added that if he were in the same position, he would choose to appear before the impeachment court.
"I would probably myself, if it was me being accused, I would almost insist over the advice of lawyers. If they advise me not to appear, I would insist on appearing. Kaya ko namang sagutin. Sige, sagutin natin," the President said.
