A lawyer has expressed skepticism over Vice President Sara Duterte’s participation in the upcoming House Committee on Justice hearing on March 25, suggesting she may skip the session or decline to answer questions if she attends.

Dino De Leon, a member of civil society group Tindig Pilipinas, said Duterte could sidestep the process and frame it as a political attack rather than a constitutional duty.

“’Yung Constitution po sinasabi this is a sacred process, at kailangan galangin ni Sara Duterte ang mga institusyon including the House of Representatives, including eventually the Senate … accountability ito, kailangan, mag-explain siya,” De Leon said at the Saturday News Forum.

“Bagkus ililihis na naman at magagalit at sasabihin pulitika lamang ito,” he added.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s lawyer, Atty. Michael Poa, confirmed receipt of the formal invitation earlier this week.

“Regarding her attendance, I have not conferred with the Vice President on this matter. That said, there is no requirement under the applicable rules for her personal attendance,” he said.

Duterte is facing impeachment complaints over the alleged misuse of confidential funds linked to the Office of the Vice President and other entities.

Throughout the proceedings, her legal team has maintained that it will present its defense and challenge the allegations during the House hearing.

The House Committee on Justice is set to convene next week, with both Duterte’s legal team and the complainants expected to present their arguments.

The hearing on March 25 is expected to examine testimonies and review evidence presented by both parties.