MANILA — House prosecutor Chel Diokno of Akbayan Party-list on Monday said Vice President Sara Duterte is still required to personally appear before the Senate impeachment court to formally enter her plea in the upcoming trial.

In a press conference, Diokno said the Senate Rules on Impeachment Trials clearly require the respondent not only to submit an answer to the articles of impeachment but also to appear before the impeachment court for the formal recording of her plea.

He added that a prior hearing is also expected to be scheduled for this purpose.

“If she refuses to appear, the impeachment court will enter a plea of not guilty on her behalf,” Diokno said.

“On the other hand, the rules also provide that the respondent has the choice of entering a plea of guilty during that hearing,” he added.

Diokno said the prosecution expects the proceeding to take place before the formal start of the trial on July 6, in line with impeachment procedures.

He said the Senate impeachment court is expected to issue a writ of summons to Duterte for her entry of appearance.

When asked if internal issues in the Senate could benefit the defense, House trial spokesperson Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said political developments should not be seen as an advantage by either side, stressing that both prosecution and defense will rely on evidence.

Diokno echoed the same view, saying delays in the process would not affect the strength of either side’s case.

“I don’t see that what is happening in the Senate will be an advantage to the defense team. This is about the evidence,” he said.

Co added that any delay in the proceedings would affect all parties and emphasized the importance of completing the impeachment process.

“Kaya ang gusto natin matapos na ang paglilitis para sa punot-dulo nito kung ano man ang alegasyon,” she said. “Ang pagtutuloy-tuloy ng paglilitis will be to the advantage of due process and all institutions facing these allegations.”

The prosecution panel had earlier filed a “non-answer” to the articles of impeachment after Duterte submitted her response on June 1, which they said failed to properly address the allegations.

The House prosecution team is set to submit a pretrial brief to the Senate impeachment court on June 15, followed by a pretrial conference on June 18, with the trial scheduled to begin on July 6. (PNA)