Lawyer Kaloi Zarate appealed to the Senate not to dismiss the impeachment case but instead give Vice President Sara Duterte the opportunity to present her side amid the allegations she faces.
He emphasized that through this process, both the public and the Vice President herself would gain clarity on the issues surrounding the alleged misuse of confidential funds and other controversies.
Zarate warned that if the Vice President fails to provide a convincing explanation, public suspicion will persist that the funds were used illegally or tied to ill‑gotten wealth.
Proceeding with the trial while the Senate sits as an impeachment court would serve the best interests of the Vice President, the people, and the nation as a whole, Zarate adds.
