Impeachment trial: Palace leaves Sara Duterte subpoena call to Senate

File photo of Vice President Sara Duterte after arriving at Quezon City Hall of Justice recently.INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has left it to the senator-judges to decide whether it will allow the request of the prosecution panel to subpoena Vice President Sara Duterte and compel her to testify in her own impeachment trial. Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro made the remark on Wednesday following the announcement of the prosecution that it intends to call Duterte to the witness stand, to affirm and confirm her allegation of innocence. “If that is what the prosecution wants and if the Senate allows it, then the matter rests with the Senate,” Castro said. “We don’t know if this is the right timing for them. But again, the decision regarding that is up to the Senate.” Article continues after this advertisement READ: Tulfos prefer Duterte to testify at her impeachment trial “The prosecution is likely making this request because the Vice President herself said she wanted a bloodbath. She also previously stated that she was ready to face the allegations and clarify these issues,” she added. House prosecutors on Tuesday dropped their remaining 15 witnesses on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and instead, manifested their intention to call Duterte to testify in her own impeachment trial. Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan said the evidence already presented pointed to Duterte as the person accountable for the alleged irregularities. But the prosecution did not seek a subpoena for Duterte yet, saying they intended to call her after presenting evidence on all four articles of impeachment. Article continues after this advertisement Kapunan said Duterte’s testimony would be material to all four allegations—grave threats, misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds, unexplained wealth and bribery. The defense team objected to the prosecution’s manifestation, citing the constitutional protection against self-incrimination. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Prosecutors opt to drop 15 witnesses, want to grill VP Duterte instead Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison invoked Article III, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that no person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself or herself. Impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol said oral arguments may be conducted if the House prosecution panel requests a subpoena to compel Vice President Sara Duterte to testify in her own impeachment trial. Tongol admitted that it would be easier if Duterte just voluntarily attended her own trial, just like what former Chief Justice Renato Corona did to his in 2012. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. However, he maintained that it would be Duterte’s prerogative if she wants to stand witness in her impeachment trial. /mr