Defense presents corporate lawyer as third witness in Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA — The defense mounted by Vice President Sara Duterte in her ongoing impeachment trial will present a new witness on Wednesday as legal proceedings continue into their second month. Suzette Balucanag-Punay, a corporate lawyer who serves as legal counsel for GenCorp Industries Inc. and Metro City Chow Foods Corp., is scheduled to take the stand as the defense's third witness. The scheduled testimony marks a continuation of Duterte's legal team's strategy to counter the allegations leveled against the sitting vice president. Balucanag-Punay's appearance had been previously scheduled but was deferred to allow the proceedings to advance with other witnesses. The 42nd day of trial proceedings underscores the extensive nature of the impeachment case, which has drawn significant public attention since its commencement. Duterte's defense team has been methodically presenting witnesses and evidence as part of its formal response to the impeachment complaint filed against her.