Duterte’s absence in impeachment trial may result in conviction – Luistro

MANILA, Philippines — Once the House of Representatives impeaches Vice President Sara Duterte and the Senate convenes into an impeachment court, her lack of appearance in the trial might result in her conviction.

This situation was described by House Justice panel chairperson and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro on Saturday.

During the Saturday News Forum, Luistro said that she wishes for Duterte to attend the impeachment trial “because this is her last opportunity to present her evidence.”

The vice president was absent during the clarificatory hearings of the House justice panel on the impeachment complaints filed against her.

READ: Luistro trusts Senate to convene impeach court if Duterte case is sent

“If she will be missing this opportunity, then we have reason to believe that this might result in conviction,” Luistro projected.

“I think she should fully participate this time to be able to present her evidence, counter the evidence of the prosecution, because there is no judgment yet,” the lawmaker advised the vice president.

“This trial may result in conviction but it may also result in acquittal, depending on the evidence which will be presented by the defense,” Luistro noted. 

She also said that while the complainants’ evidence were enough to sustain probable cause to impeach Duterte, the determination if they are enough to sustain her conviction lies within her defense’s evidence or counter-evidence.

“If the defense does not present evidence, we can actually anticipate the appreciation of the senator judges that the complainants’ evidence might be sufficient to support conviction,” she said.

Meanwhile, Luistro believes the senator-judges “will be very cautious in casting their vote” in the impeachment trial despite their political affiliations.

She added that senator-judges must be independent and impartial during this proceeding. 

READ: Opposition no basis to block Sara Duterte trial – Luistro

“Even if your political affiliation is with the vice president, if the evidence is so overwhelming, that even the general public is supportive of conviction, how can an ally of the vice president vote against conviction?” she wondered.

“If it is seen by the general public, it might cost his own political interest,” she said. 

On Monday, the House of Representatives is expected to deliberate and vote on the Articles of Impeachment.  

At least 106 votes are needed from the lower chamber to impeach Duterte. /apl