Duterte's Self-Incrimination Plea May Invite Public Scrutiny, Abante Says

MANILA — A senior House member cautioned Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte risks public backlash should she attend her upcoming Senate impeachment proceedings while exercising her right to remain silent.

Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. raised the concern during a press conference, noting that her simultaneous presence at trial and invocation of constitutional protections against self-incrimination could create a perception problem. The statement came in response to legal arguments advanced by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio regarding the impeachment case.

Abante's remarks highlight the delicate position facing Duterte as the impeachment process advances in the Senate. The Vice President faces multiple charges stemming from various allegations that prompted lawmakers to initiate formal proceedings against her.

The constitutional right against self-incrimination permits individuals to decline answering questions that could implicate them in criminal activity. However, legal experts have noted that invoking such protections in a political proceeding like impeachment may carry distinct reputational consequences separate from criminal trials.

The Senate is expected to conduct hearings on the impeachment case in the coming weeks, with significant public attention focused on Duterte's participation and legal strategy.