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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Bloodbath-ready' Duterte skips first day of impeachment trial

'Bloodbath-ready' Duterte skips first day of impeachment trial

Published Jul 6, 2026 02:03 pm
Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment proceedings before the Senate, with her defense team maintaining that only the Senate, sitting as the Impeachment Court, has the authority to rule on pending motions related to the case. (Manila Bulletin / file)
Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment proceedings before the Senate, with her defense team maintaining that only the Senate, sitting as the Impeachment Court, has the authority to rule on pending motions related to the case. (Manila Bulletin / file)
Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, July 6, skipped the first day of her impeachment trial as the defense team maintained her right to be represented by a counsel.
Lawyer Michael Poa, spokesman of the defense team, said Duterte “has chosen to appear by counsel” and that it is “her right that her appearance remain through counsel.”
Poa added Duterte’s decision is “in accordance with the impeachment rules.”
“She’s here through her counsel,” Poa said in a brief conference ahead of the 2 p.m. trial.
When asked last year regarding a possible impeachment trial, Duterte said she was ready for a “bloodbath,” making a strong stance against allegations that she has always denied.
“Sinabihan ko na rin talaga sila (I told my lawyers). I truly want a trial because I want a bloodbath talaga (really),” Duterte said in a media interview in May 2025.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives for the second time in May over alleged threats to the lives of President Marcos and the First Family, bribery, unexplained wealth and misuse of confidential funds.
Poa said the Vice President has long been ready for the trial, adding “that’s why we’re here today.”
“She’s been preparing actually more than a year. So I don’t think there’s anything to reconcile [about her pronouncements],” he added.
Poa said he won’t divulge any strategy to be taken by the defense team regarding her physical appearance and “that will depend how will proceedings go."
“We will advise her accordingly,” he added.

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Sara Duterte IMPEACHMENT Senate
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