MANILA, April 14, 2026 —Vice President Sara Duterte will not personally attend the House Committee on Justice’s impeachment hearing, her lawyer Michael Poa confirmed, saying her camp had already informed the panel beforehand of her absence.

Poa told reporters at the Batasang Pambansa complex that Duterte would skip Tuesday’s proceedings, clarifying that her attendance was not required. “I don’t think so,” Poa said when asked if Duterte or any of her representatives would appear. “I think they already told the committee beforehand that they will not be attending.”

Despite Duterte’s absence, her legal counsel appeared before the committee in compliance with a subpoena. The hearing proceeded with testimonies and presentations of evidence, including the appearance of Ramil Madriaga, a former aide of Duterte, who was subpoenaed to clarify statements in his affidavit.

The impeachment complaints against Duterte center on allegations of misuse of confidential funds and other issues tied to her tenure. Her camp has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the proceedings, questioning their constitutionality.

Officials from agencies such as the Commission on Audit, Bureau of Internal Revenue, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the Ombudsman were also expected to attend the hearing to submit subpoenaed documents. The session marked a crucial stage in the impeachment process, as lawmakers began examining evidence and hearing witness testimonies.

While Duterte’s absence drew attention, her lawyer emphasized that her personal presence was not mandatory under House rules. The hearings are set to continue, with the committee expected to deliberate on evidence and testimonies in the coming days.