Lawmaker urges Senate to subpoena Duterte for impeachment trial

Rep. Abante raised the prospect during an online press briefing on Friday, suggesting that a subpoena would be an appropriate measure to ensure Duterte's attendance at the proceedings. The vice president has faced multiple allegations that are being heard before the Senate Impeachment Court, yet her participation in the trial has remained sporadic. Abante's call reflects growing frustration among some lawmakers over what they perceive as the respondent's limited engagement with the legal process. The impeachment court has the authority to issue subpoenas to compel attendance, though enforcement mechanisms remain a contested issue. Legal experts note that such measures underscore the tension between executive privilege claims and the constitutional impeachment process.