Politics · Philippines Bureau
Defense not ready to decide on VP Duterte testifying in impeachment trial
Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team says it is premature to discuss whether she will take the stand to testify in her own impeachment case. The defense made the statement as it began presenting evidence on the 40th day of proceedings.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte said Monday that discussions about whether the Vice President herself would testify in her impeachment trial are still premature.
Michael Poa, spokesperson and member of Duterte's defense team, made the statement as the defense team commenced its evidence-in-chief presentation during the 40th day of trial proceedings in the House of Representatives.
Poa did not elaborate on the defense's plans regarding Duterte's potential appearance as a witness, indicating that the team would address the matter at the appropriate stage of the trial.
The Vice President faces impeachment charges in the House, with proceedings ongoing since the filing of the complaint earlier this year. The defense team has been preparing its case strategy and gathering evidence to counter the charges.
As the trial progresses through its evidence presentation phase, the defense is expected to call various witnesses and submit documents to support its position. Any decision on whether Duterte will personally testify remains to be determined by her legal team in the coming weeks.