VP shows up at Senate–but not to attend trial

Vice President Sara Duterte (center) arrives at the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City, on July 7, ahead of the day’s scheduled impeachment trial proceedings. Though present at the upper chamber to meet with her defense panel, she did not attend the afternoon hearing session in person. —Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — After skipping the opening of her impeachment trial on Monday, Vice President Sara Duterte walked into the Senate before noon Tuesday, not to honor the summons from the impeachment court but to meet her lawyers about two hours before the start of the day’s proceedings.

Prior to Duterte’s arrival, lawyer Michael Poa, the spokesperson for the defense team, told reporters that the Vice President, despite being in the building, will not attend her trial.

“[S]he will not be attending the scheduled hearing this afternoon because she has engagements … she will have to proceed with her engagements after the meeting,” he added.

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