MANILA, Philippines – Hindi pipilitin ng Senado si Vice President Sara Duterte na dumalo sa kanyang impeachment trial, ayon kay Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero nitong Lunes, Pebrero 10.
“She is free to say what she wants to say, I doubt if that would happen. She is free to say what she wants,” ani Escudero.
“If she needs to attend, we will make her attend, if she doesn’t need to attend we won’t force her because that is her right – to waive her right to appear unless it is necessary or needed,” dagdag pa nito.
Nang tanungin kung paano ito tatratuhin, sinabi ng Senate President na naka-depende ito sa kung ano ang kapasidad niyang makadalo.
“She would attend as what? As a witness? Eh di uupo siya sa witness stand. Puwede siyang i-cross examine. Hindi siya puwedeng tumestigong ‘ito lang sasabihin ko, hindi na ‘ko magsasalita pagkatapos nito.’ Hindi puwede yun ah,” sinabi ni Escudero.
“Any direct testimony must be subject to cross examination before it is considered admissible. Puwede siya magsalita kung gusto niya pero kung hindi siya magpapa-cross examine, may karapatang i-strike yung testimonyang yun,” pagpapatuloy niya.
“Why will we not accord respect to her or her office? Of course we will.” RNT/JGC
