Vice President Sara Duterte will not attend the first day of her impeachment trial before the Senate on Monday, July 6, according to her legal counsel, Atty. Michael Poa.

According to a report by RH Henry Uri, Poa confirmed that Duterte would instead be represented by her legal team during the proceedings before the Senate, which is convening as an impeachment court.

He said the Vice President's personal attendance is not required during the trial's opening proceedings.

Poa also said Duterte's legal team will continue to seek the dismissal of the impeachment case. However, he emphasized that they would not preempt the impeachment court and would respect whatever decision is reached by the senator-judges.

On the issue of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) box, Poa clarified that the defense team "never opposed" the opening of the BIR box containing the tax records of Duterte and her husband, Atty. Mans Carpio. He noted that their position has consistently been that the box should be marked as evidence during the pre-marking of evidence stage.

Earlier, Duterte had been ordered to appear in person or through her legal counsel after senators issued a summons last week.

The Senate is scheduled to convene as an impeachment court at 2 p.m.

Duterte is facing an impeachment trial over allegations that include the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and issuing death threats. She has denied all the allegations against her.