The prosecution is considering formally asking Vice President Sara Duterte to appear before the Senate impeachment court after all four articles of impeachment have been presented, according to House Prosecutor Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores of Bukidnon.
Speaking at the prosecution press conference following Day 23 of the impeachment trial on Tuesday, September 8, Flores said Duterte could address issues raised across all four articles in a single appearance.
“She can answer on several issues, several articles, di ba? So, it’s not like you call her for confidential funds and just ask her about confidential funds,” Flores said.
He explained that the prosecution wants to determine the most appropriate time to have Duterte appear so she could potentially answer questions on the allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and the alleged assassination plot and grave threats in one proceeding.
“We want to present her siguro at the most... The best time where she could be just asked once for all of the articles of impeachment na pending,” Flores added.
Flores said the prosecution team will meet to discuss its next steps after concluding its presentation on Article I, which focuses on the alleged misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds. The prosecution is expected to proceed with Article II on alleged unexplained wealth next week.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V was asked about the likelihood of Duterte attending the trial if invited to testify. He estimated only a 5% chance that she would appear, citing her previous absence from the proceedings.
The prosecution has yet to set a definite date for Duterte’s possible appearance, with Flores emphasizing that the intention is to have her answer questions on all four articles in one appearance.
