House Prosecution Panel spokesperson Renee Co stated that the time was ripe for Vice President Sara Duterte to present herself before the Senate impeachment court with the trial slated to proceed as scheduled on 6 July.

Co said that there was an expectation that Duterte would appear at what she deemed as the “proper forum” given the previous interviews of the Vice President herself and the press conferences of members of her defense panel.

“We are hoping that VP Sara Duterte would be at the trial proper, that was what she said before, that she’s ready and willing to appear at the proper court,” she said during a radio interview.

“Next week the impeachment trial will begin, so we are hoping that the VP is ready and willing to face the charges will be present on day one for the public to see her willingness,” she added.

Despite the prosecution’s hopes, the lawmaker explained that based on the rules of court, there could be an authorized representative that would be present on Duterte’s behalf for the length of the proceedings.

However, Co clarified that the rules may differ when the Vice President is called to serve as a witness to her own trial and she would be obligated to appear before the court.

“Technicality wise when she is called as a witness, if she does not attend, that is subversion of the subpoena powers and the authorities of the Senate or the Republic because the impeachment is in the Constitution,” she said.

Aside from the appearance of Duterte herself, the Kabataan Partylist representative mentioned that members of the prosecution witness were keen on both presenting and seeing witnesses–namely “Mary Grace Piattos.”

“Me, personally, I want to see who Mary Grace Piattos is, we want to see if the name that was placed on the receipt under the Office of the Vice President really got confidential funds,” the solon expressed.

Surprise Witnesses, Evidences

Speaking on the topic of the witnesses that may be presented during the trial, Co said that there was still a possibility that there would be individuals as well as evidence that would be brought to court despite not being included in the pre-trial briefs of both parties.

She explained that the prosecution and the defense had the option to provide mere general descriptions of witnesses that they wish to present during the trial proper, for as long as such testimonies were supported according to their purpose.

“Before it was okay to have surprise witnesses, but in regular court proceeding, specially in criminal proceeding, it is required under the rules of continuous trial that all introduced witnesses be included in the pre-trial brief,” she said.

As for evidence, Co mentioned that those that are produced lawfully while the proceedings take place could also be used.

“There is a reservation of right to present further evidence while the trial is ongoing…if it was organically brought out and not listed it can still be brought out, both parties reserved that right,” she said.

The trial of the Vice President is set to begin on 6 July.