HOUSE lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro on Thursday night maintained that Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has a constitutional duty to personally appear before the Senate impeachment court when her trial begins on July 6.
Luistro made the statement after the defense said Duterte’s attendance at the impeachment trial would depend on the advice of her legal team and whether her appearance would be necessary.
“I understand that that is her prerogative whether to appear or not,” Luistro said during a press briefing even if the rules allow Duterte to be represented by counsel.
She noted that under the impeachment rules, Duterte’s absence would simply be treated as an entry of a plea of not guilty.
“And her non-appearance will simply be deemed as an entry of a plea of not guilty,” Luistro pointed out.
Despite that, Luistro said she believes appearing before the impeachment court is part of a public official’s constitutional responsibility.
“Nevertheless, in my personal opinion, appearing before the impeachment court is likewise a constitutional duty which public officials must comply,” she said.
Luistro anchored her view on the constitutional principle that public office is a public trust.
“This is what we meant by public office is a public trust, and public officials must be accountable to the people at all times,” Luistro said.
The Senate impeachment court has completed pre-trial proceedings and is set to begin the impeachment trial after issuing its pre-trial order.
