House prosecution panel spokesperson Rep. Renee Co said the time is right for Vice President Sara Duterte to appear before the Senate impeachment court, with the trial set to open as scheduled on 6 July.

Co said there is an expectation that Duterte will personally attend the “proper forum,” pointing to her previous interviews and statements as well as public briefings by 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 forum,” Co said in 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 and will be present on day one for the public to see her willingness,” she added.

Co, however, noted that under the rules, Duterte may be represented by an authorized representative throughout the proceedings.

She clarified that different rules may apply if the Vice President is called to testify, in which case she would be required to appear in person.

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

Co said the prosecution panel is looking forward to presenting and examining the witnesses, including “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 of the Office of the Vice President really got confidential funds,” she said.

Surprise witnesses, evidence

Co said there is a possibility that witnesses and evidence not included in the pre-trial briefs may be presented during the trial proper.

She said both the prosecution and defense may indicate only general descriptions of witnesses, as long as their testimonies are relevant to the issues at hand.

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

Co also noted that evidence obtained during the proceedings may still be introduced if it is lawfully produced.

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