MANILA. Philippines - Counsels for Vice President Sara Duterte stressed that she is ready to answer the allegations against her, provided these are addressed in the proper forum—the Senate impeachment court—while maintaining that they are questioning the proceedings before the House Committee on Justice.
The statements from lawyers Shiela Sison and Michael Wesley Poa came after the panel, led by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, issued several subpoenas for documents related to the impeachment complaints.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Sison said that under the Constitution, only the Senate has the authority to conduct an impeachment trial.
“The Constitution does not grant the committee any power or jurisdiction to conduct any form of trial, whether a mini or full-blown one, much less to try a case and receive evidence,” Sison said.
She added that while they do not intend to disrespect the committee, the panel has no authority to examine or cross-examine witnesses or to compel their appearance through subpoenas.
This comes despite Luistro’s assertion that the hearings resemble a “preliminary investigation” in the criminal justice system.
Meanwhile, Poa said he is “ready” to appear before the panel after receiving a subpoena.
“I have no intention to evade. I don’t see any point in not appearing,” Poa said.