Vice President Sara Duterte says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s views on her impeachment trial attendance are “of no importance,” adding that the proceedings must be guided by the Constitution and due process. In statements made on Monday, Duterte rejects the significance of Marcos’ comments, which were reported while he is on a four-day official visit to Canada. Marcos had said it would be “much easier” for Duterte to face the Senate impeachment court and respond to the allegations against her.
Duterte disputes any framing that her attendance or response should be conditioned by the president’s assessment. She emphasizes that a respondent in impeachment proceedings has the right to be represented by counsel, consistent with due process requirements. Both outlets report Duterte’s position that the president’s opinion does not determine how the Senate impeachment court conducts the case. The statements underscore Duterte’s insistence that constitutional procedures govern the impeachment process rather than commentary from the executive office.
