Amid the approaching super typhoon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), Vice President Sara Duterte is focused on preparation efforts, according to Defense Team Spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa.

He stated that the Vice President had skipped the first day of the impeachment trial because she was in a planning session for Super Typhoon Bavi.

“Actually, ang mandato po niya bilang bise presidente magtrabaho para sa bayan at yun nga po ‘yung ginagawa niya. In fact, I just spoke to her a few minutes ago. She's actually in a planning session with members of the OVP to prepare for Super Typhoon Bavi. So yun ang ginagawa niya,” he said

According to the defense team, the lawyers will represent the Vice President in accordance with the guidelines of the Senate impeachment court.

They also denied that her absence was an attempt to evade her duties and responsibilities to the nation.

“Parati kong sinasabi, ‘yung pagharap niya sa kaso ay ginagawa na sa kasalukuyan. Kaya nga matagal na siyang nag-form ng isang defense team dahil alam niyang hahantong tayo sa ganito at kaya naman kaming mga abogado niya ay nandito para talagang i-litigate itong kaso at sagutin at patunayan na wala pong basehan yung mga paratang laban sa kanya,” he said

Atty. Poa didn’t disclose any details about the Vice President's possible physical appearance. 

He also stated that certain matters cannot be made public, noting the scope of Attorney-Client privilege; however, it doesn’t mean that she will never show up on other trial days. 

The defense team cannot disclose when she’s going to show up, as this is a part of their legal strategy. 

“No, we're not saying anything right now. As I've always mentioned, ang kanyang physical presence, we will assess kung kinakailangan. Bakit hindi? But that will depend on how the proceedings go, and we will advise her accordingly,” he said

The defense team also trusts and respect the leadership in the Senate impeachment court, as it has sufficient experience in handling the case.

They also denied that they are going to use delaying tactics in the impeachment proceedings and emphasized that they are currently focused on the direction of the impeachment trial. 

With reports from Evan Alvarez

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