(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte arrived at the Senate on Tuesday for the second day of her impeachment trial but would not attend the proceedings, warning, however that she would be "bloodied but unbowed."
Defense spokesman Michael Poa said Duterte visited the defense team to avoid any inconvenience.
Duterte did not answer questions from the media who were at the Defense briefing at the Sotto Hall of the Senate.
"In this bloodbath and bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed," Duterte said.
Before this, Duterte visited Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, an ally, who is under hospital arrest due to health reasons.
Security remained tight around the Senate complex as authorities maintained heightened police deployment while preparations continued for the day’s proceedings.
Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations that included the misuse of confidential funds and alleged death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., accusations she has repeatedly denied.
