MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team reiterated that the impeachment complaints against her suffers from a "fundamental defect" despite being approved by the Justice Committee as being "sufficient in grounds". In a statement, the defense team said that while the "finding is merely preliminary. It is not a determination of truth, nor is it a finding of liability," "The complaints suffer from a fundamental defect. They are built on conclusions, speculation, and narratives that are not anchored on the ultimate facts required under the Constitution and the Rules," they said. They also said that what was being advanced are "accusations in search of evidence, not evidence in support of accusations," "Ultimately, the process must be governed not by any political agenda, but by the Constitution, the rules, and credible and competent evidence. On that basis, the defense stands on firm ground," they siad. Meanwhile, after House Justice panel chairman Gerville Luistro said that Duterte will be given the opportunity to present her evidence against the complainants but she would be required to be present during the hearings, Defense Team spokesman Michael Wesley Poa said that there is "no requirement under the applicable rules for her personal attendance," "Any decision in that regard will be made in accordance with her rights and upon the advice of counsel," Poa said.