MANILA, Philippines — The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has been warned against skipping the upcoming House “mini-trial” on her impeachment case, with lawmakers saying absence could fast-track the complaint’s transmission to the Senate.
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro, chairperson of the House Committee on Justice, said Thursday that failure of Duterte’s defense team to attend the March 25 hearing may increase the likelihood of the impeachment case advancing to the Senate.
The panel earlier ruled that the impeachment complaints against Duterte have sufficient grounds to proceed to a formal hearing phase.
Luistro explained that the Vice President still has a chance to have the case dismissed during the probable cause determination, provided her camp presents counterarguments before the committee.
However, she cautioned that skipping the proceedings would mean forfeiting that opportunity.
“If they choose not to attend, they should anticipate that this impeachment complaint will indeed be transmitted to the Senate,” Luistro said.
One of Duterte’s legal counsels, Michael Poa, said in a separate interview that the Vice President is preparing for a possible Senate trial regardless of the outcome at the House level.
Poa added that attendance at the so-called “mini-trial” remains uncertain, noting that he has yet to discuss the matter with Duterte. He also said the legal team may advise her to skip the hearing if they see no strategic benefit, arguing that the process limits their ability to cross-examine witnesses.
Luistro, however, defended the “mini-trial” characterization, saying the hearing is meant to allow both the complainants and the respondent to present evidence and witnesses to guide lawmakers in determining probable cause.
She clarified that while cross-examination is allowed under House rules, it is conducted by committee members themselves, with lawyers playing a limited, assistive role.
The latest impeachment complaints against Duterte include allegations of graft and corruption during her time in office, as well as claims that she issued a death threat against former ally Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Impeachment is a constitutional process in the Philippines that allows the House of Representatives to charge high-ranking officials for alleged wrongdoing formally.
Once approved, the case is transmitted to the Senate of the Philippines, which conducts a trial. A conviction could result in removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
This is not the first impeachment case involving Duterte. A previous complaint did not prosper after the Supreme Court of the Philippines voided it on procedural grounds.