Constitution protects VP Sara from prosecution compulsion to testify, defense argues

MANILA — Defense counsel Sheila Sison raised a constitutional barrier against potential prosecution efforts to compel Vice President Sara Duterte to testify during proceedings Tuesday, stating that such a move would violate fundamental protections enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.

Sison argued that the prosecution faces an "innate problem" should it attempt to call Duterte to the witness stand, citing the constitutional prohibition against forcing an accused person to testify against herself. The defense counsel emphasized that the right against testimonial compulsion represents an absolute protection under constitutional law.

The argument underscores a significant legal divide in the case, with the defense establishing that constitutional safeguards extend to high-ranking government officials facing accusations. The invocation of these protections during trial reflects established jurisprudence on the rights of the accused in the Philippines' legal system.

The exchange came as proceedings continued in the case against the Vice President, highlighting ongoing tensions between prosecution strategy and constitutional constraints governing witness testimony.