President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expresses his personal opinion that Vice President Sara Duterte should directly attend her impeachment trial set for July 6 to facilitate clearer and more effective proceedings.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a media briefing in Vancouver before returning to Manila, stated that Vice President Sara Duterte should personally attend the impeachment trial scheduled to commence on Monday, July 6. Marcos emphasized that direct communication from the accused would simplify the judicial process, allowing clearer and more straightforward answers, rather than responses mediated through lawyers or secondary sources.
Having served as a senator-judge during the 2012 impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, Marcos highlighted his own experience but clarified that his comments represent his personal perspective, not a formal legal opinion, as he is not a lawyer.
Marcos articulated that if he were in Duterte’s position, he would insist on appearing in person despite any legal advice to the contrary, so that he could directly address the allegations.
The Senate impeachment court has formally summoned Vice President Duterte to appear at the trial’s opening, as outlined in a July 2 notice pursuant to the impeachment trial rules and the writ of summons issued earlier in May. The trial sessions are planned to run weekly from Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m., shifting to Tuesday through Thursday following the President’s State of the Nation Address on July 27.
Separately, regarding corruption investigations, President Marcos indicated that although efforts have been ongoing, more work remains, acknowledging issues inherited from previous administrations, particularly in flood control projects. He underscored his administration’s proactive measures to investigate and hold accountable those involved, countering allegations of selective justice by emphasizing that prior administrations had not taken similar actions.
This report consolidates official statements from President Marcos and public information about the impeachment process and governmental efforts against corruption in the Philippines.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/993828/marcos-says-vp-sara-duterte-should-attend-impeachment-trial/story/