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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Wala pa rin': Ridon still looking for VP Duterte 5 five weeks into impeachment trial

'Wala pa rin': Ridon still looking for VP Duterte 5 five weeks into impeachment trial

Published Aug 3, 2026 03:38 pm

At A Glance

  • House prosecutor Terry Ridon criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for being absent on the fifth week, or the 11th day, of her Senate impeachment trial.
  • Ridon urges Duterte to face the proceedings and the truth, alluding to her recent two‑week trip abroad covering Qatar, the UK, and the Netherlands.
  • Duterte's absence coincided with prosecutors presenting evidence on article I regarding alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, after completing article IV on her 2024 death threats against President Marcos and the First Family.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (MANILA BULLETIN, PPAB)
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (MANILA BULLETIN, PPAB)


House prosecutor Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon chided Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, Aug. 3 for being absent--yet again--in her own Senate impeachment trial.
"Sa ikalimang linggo o ikalabing-isang araw ng paglilitis, wala pa ring Vice President Sara Duterte sa loob ng Senate impeachment court," Ridon said in a short statement .
(On the fifth week, or the 11th day of trial, Vice President Sara Duterte is still absent from the Senate impeachment court.)
"Muli, nasaan man po kayo sa mundo Madam Vice President, harapin po natin ang paglilitis, harapin natin ang katotohanan," added the lawyer-legislator.
(Once again, wherever you may be in the world Madam Vice President, let us face the trial, let us face the truth.)
Ridon was seemingly alluding to the respondent's recent two-week trip abroad.
The Vice President's July 16 to 31 trip covered Qatar, the United Kingdom (UK), and the Netherlands.
Duterte left the country just as the prosecutors shifted to presenting evidence on article I, which delved into allegations of confidential funds misuse amounting to P612.5 million.
The prosecution panel had just finished its presentation on article IV, which covered Duterte’s Nov. 23, 2024 death threats against President Marcos and other members of the First Family.
Presiding officer Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero earlier ruled that the respondent need not personally attend the court proceedings, as she was amply represented by her counsels.

Related Tags

Terry Ridon Sara Duterte Impeachment Chiz Escudero
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