The Senate impeachment court, not the House prosecution panel, holds the sole authority to decide whether former Davao City sheriff Abe Andres may be excused from attending the impeachment hearing. This clarification came from House prosecution panel spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong.
Adiong acknowledges Andres' reluctance
Adiong expressed understanding of Andres' refusal to rekindle his past conflict with Vice President Sara Duterte. He noted that no individual would want to relive an unpleasant incident. Andres, now a human resource management officer at the Supreme Court, was the court sheriff whom Duterte punched during a demolition operation in 2011, when she was still mayor of Davao City.
The incident has resurfaced in the context of the impeachment proceedings against Duterte. Adiong emphasized that the decision on Andres' attendance rests with the impeachment court, which will weigh the relevance of his testimony.
Background of the case
The physical altercation between Duterte and Andres occurred over a decade ago during a court-ordered demolition of informal settlers. Andres has since moved on from the incident and now serves in a different capacity at the Supreme Court. His potential testimony is seen as crucial by some, but the House prosecution panel respects his position.
Adiong reiterated that the panel will not force Andres to appear if the court deems it unnecessary. The impeachment trial continues to unfold, with both sides preparing their cases.
