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Advocates Philippines
Ortega Welcomes VP Sara's Possible Appearance At Impeachment Trial
SCREENGRAB FROM CONGRESS PH
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Monday said he would welcome Vice President Sara Duterte's personal appearance at her Senate impeachment trial, saying it would give her the opportunity to directly address the allegations against her before the constitutional court.
Speaking at a press briefing, the La Union lawmaker said Duterte's attendance would mark an important step in the impeachment proceedings after weeks of public discussion surrounding the case.
"Thank you ha, nakadalo ka sa trial of the century," Ortega said.
He added that Duterte's presence would allow the impeachment process to proceed in the proper constitutional forum, where both the prosecution and defense can present their respective evidence.
"Malaking bagay po na nandito kayo kasi matagal na po itong inaabangan at nasa tamang forum na po tayo para masagot 'yung mga katanungan at saka mga allegations. So thank you po ma'am, salamat," he said.
Ortega stressed that the Senate impeachment court—not public statements or media appearances—is the appropriate venue for the Vice President to respond to the accusations contained in the Articles of Impeachment.
The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is currently hearing Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in connection with her November 23, 2024 online press conference.
The House prosecution continued presenting its evidence on Monday, with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) BARMM Regional Director Atty. Jeremy Lotoc taking the witness stand as its second witness.
During the trial's opening week, prosecutors presented NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who authenticated key pieces of evidence, including the video of Duterte's November 23 online press conference, official government statements, and digital evidence gathered during the NBI's investigation.
The impeachment trial is expected to continue this week as both the prosecution and defense present additional witnesses and documentary evidence before the senator-judges.
Speaking at a press briefing, the La Union lawmaker said Duterte's attendance would mark an important step in the impeachment proceedings after weeks of public discussion surrounding the case.
"Thank you ha, nakadalo ka sa trial of the century," Ortega said.
He added that Duterte's presence would allow the impeachment process to proceed in the proper constitutional forum, where both the prosecution and defense can present their respective evidence.
"Malaking bagay po na nandito kayo kasi matagal na po itong inaabangan at nasa tamang forum na po tayo para masagot 'yung mga katanungan at saka mga allegations. So thank you po ma'am, salamat," he said.
Ortega stressed that the Senate impeachment court—not public statements or media appearances—is the appropriate venue for the Vice President to respond to the accusations contained in the Articles of Impeachment.
The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is currently hearing Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in connection with her November 23, 2024 online press conference.
The House prosecution continued presenting its evidence on Monday, with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) BARMM Regional Director Atty. Jeremy Lotoc taking the witness stand as its second witness.
During the trial's opening week, prosecutors presented NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who authenticated key pieces of evidence, including the video of Duterte's November 23 online press conference, official government statements, and digital evidence gathered during the NBI's investigation.
The impeachment trial is expected to continue this week as both the prosecution and defense present additional witnesses and documentary evidence before the senator-judges.
Jul 13, 2026
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