Senate can appoint public lawyers for VP if defense boycotts—Chua

The Senate Impeachment Court can designate public attorneys to represent Vice President Sara Duterte should her legal team refuse to participate in the impeachment trial, according to Manila Representative Joel Chua.

Chua made the statement during a press briefing Friday when asked about the possibility of a defense panel boycott. He argued that the impeachment court possesses inherent powers to ensure the vice president receives legal representation, even without her defense team's cooperation.

The remarks come as the Senate continues preparations for the impeachment trial against Duterte, who faces multiple complaints in the chamber. The issue of defense participation has become a point of discussion as legal teams navigate the proceedings.

Chua's position suggests that procedural mechanisms exist within the Senate Impeachment Court framework to prevent trials from proceeding without proper legal representation for the accused, regardless of whether the defense voluntarily participates.

The Senate has not yet indicated when the full impeachment trial will commence.