Escudero: Ex-President Duterte can serve as VP Duterte’s lawyer

Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte. (Composite image from file photos)

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no legal constraint should former President Rodrigo Duterte serves as a legal counsel for his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, for her impeachment trial at the Senate.

This was confirmed by Senate President Francis Escudero at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday.

“That would be expected. He said that. He’s a lawyer, Vice President Sara Duterte is also a lawyer, and her husband is also a lawyer. I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens,” Escudero said in Filipino.

Asked if there’s a legal impediment to such a move, the Senate chief said “there’s none.”

“In fact, even the Vice President herself can represent herself in addition to other lawyers,” he added.

Earlier, the House of Representatives confirmed that 215 lawmakers signed the fourth impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte.

Prior to this, three impeachment complaints were filed against her in December. The complaints alleged that she had misused millions of pesos in confidential funds and “tried to cover up” how the money was spent when pressed to explain.

READ: VP Sara Duterte impeachment complaint reaches Senate