MANILA, Philippines — The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday said it had already prepared a "game plan" ahead of the Senate impeachment court's decision to subpoena the Vice President's financial and tax records, insisting the ruling would not derail the impeachment trial.
"We already have a game plan as to how we're going to approach these things, and I don't think this will duly delay the proceedings. In fact, Director Matibag will be presented tomorrow and we are prepared for that," defense spokesperson Michael Wesley Poa said during a press briefing after the ruling.
Poa maintained that the defense had strong legal grounds to oppose the subpoena request but acknowledged that the impeachment court ultimately had the authority to decide the matter, adding that while the panel would have preferred its objections to be sustained, it respects the court's ruling.
He added that elevating the issue to the Supreme Court remains an available legal remedy, although the defense has yet to decide whether to pursue it, stressing that the possibility of the subpoenas being granted had always been part of the team's preparations.
