Politics · Philippines Bureau
Defense witness backs shoe gift to young basketball players in Duterte trial
A parent testified in the Senate impeachment court that youth basketball players were justified in receiving complimentary shoes from Vice President Sara Duterte's husband. The statement came as the defense continued presenting its case.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A parent of one of the young athletes testified Thursday that the basketball players and their guardians rightfully deserved the free shoes provided by Atty. Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, during proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.
Chadrin Parian, whose child participates in Elite Philippines, a youth basketball team where Carpio holds an official position, appeared as a defense witness to support claims that the shoe distribution was a legitimate gesture of support for the young players.
The testimony came as Duterte's legal team continued mounting its defense against impeachment charges. The case has focused on various aspects of the Vice President's tenure and her husband's involvement in activities related to the administration.
Elite Philippines operates as a competitive youth basketball program, and the provision of athletic equipment to its participants has emerged as a point of contention during the impeachment proceedings. The defense's strategy has centered on portraying such gestures as normal support for youth sports development.
The Senate impeachment court continues to hear testimonies from both sides as the trial progresses.