MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution on Tuesday said any resignation by Vice President Sara Duterte does not absolve her of accountability amid growing speculation that she may resign during her impeachment trial.
House prosecution spokesman and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong maintained that Duterte can still face an impeachment trial in the Senate.
"For this impeachment trial to conclude, since it is now under the Senate's jurisdiction, an open trial should be held, and a decision regarding the judgment must be reached," Adiong said during a press conference.
"If she resigns, for example, it will not absolve or even terminate the impeachment trial because the only way to terminate the impeachment trial is for the court to reach a decision," he added.
Lead prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon said even if Duterte resigns, the trial should continue to determine if she faces perpetual disqualification from holding public office
"This will continue. The trial is still ongoing because removal is not what is being discussed here. What is being discussed here is the perpetual disqualification of a government official. He can no longer be appointed, he can no longer be elected in the government," he said.
