Will Sara Duterte attend trial after subpoena to Baste? Defense says it's up to her

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The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte said Monday that it is up to her if she will attend the trial next week after the Senate impeachment court issued another subpoena to her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte.

"Wala pa siyang sinasabi sa akin. Pagdating naman po sa ganyang mga matters, we don't really recommend 'yung kanyang attendance. Nasa sa kanya 'yan talaga kung gusto niya o hindi," said Michael Poa, spokesperson of Duterte's defense team, in a press briefing.

(She hasn't said anything to me yet. When it comes to those kinds of matters, we don't really recommend her attendance. It's really up to her whether she wants to attend or not.)

The younger Duterte was initially schedule to appear on Wednesday, September 23. However, the impeachment court will hold an oral argument on voting threshold on the said date.

The Davao City mayor and two other individuals are called to appear on September 28 to 30.

"As to the subpoena of Mayor Baste, I'm sure he has his own lawyers. I'm sure he is well updated on the matters. So tayo, hintayin lang natin kung anong mangyari next week," Poa added.

(As to the subpoena of Mayor Baste, I'm sure he has his own lawyers. I'm sure he is well updated on the matters. So, let's just wait and see what happens next week.)

The Senate impeachment court is tackling Article 2, which alleges that the Vice President accumulated unexplained wealth.

The House prosecution panel earlier said the Davao City mayor could speak about the Gencorp Industries, Inc., a firm linked to his sister.

Duterte's defense team reiterated that they have no say when it comes to her attendance.

"Pagdating naman sa pag-a-attend ng Bise Presidente sa pagsuporta, either sa staff o sa kanyang kapatid, hindi na po tayo nakikialam sa ganyang bagay," said Poa.

(When it comes to the Vice President's attendance to show support, whether for staff or for her brother, we don't interfere in those matters.) —AOL, GMA News