President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said it would be “clearer and easier” if Vice President Sara Duterte personally faced the Senate impeachment court, stressing that direct answers from the accused carry more weight than statements through counsel.
Marcos Jr, clarifying that his view was not legal advice, remarked: “Kung diretsong makapagsagot, ‘di syempre mas magiging maliwanag ang proseso, mas magiging madali ang proseso. But that’s just my own opinion.”
He added that if he were in Duterte’s position, he would insist on appearing despite contrary advice from lawyers.
“I would almost insist over the advice of lawyers. If they advise me not to appear, I would insist on appearing,” Marcos Jr. stated.
The Senate impeachment court has ordered Duterte to attend her July 6 hearing, either in person or via legal representation. Her defense team said she may appear if required and recommended by counsel.
Duterte faces allegations of misuse of confidential funds, questionable wealth, bribery, and grave threats, charges she has strongly denied, branding the House inquiry a “fishing expedition.” # (RRN)
