Politics · Philippines Bureau
DepEd Official May Not Testify in VP Impeachment Trial Due to Illness
Lead House prosecutors indicated they may not call former Department of Education disbursing officer Edward Fajarda to testify in the Senate impeachment court, citing his deteriorating health condition.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The prosecution in the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte faces the possibility of proceeding without testimony from a key witness after lead House prosecutor Gerville Luistro said on Wednesday that former DepEd special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda's poor health may prevent him from appearing before the Senate impeachment court.
Fajarda's health complications have become a significant obstacle in the case, as prosecutors weigh their options on whether to continue efforts to present his testimony or move forward with their legal strategy without him. The prosecution had previously indicated willingness to accommodate the ailing official, though circumstances appear to be shifting.
The development underscores challenges the prosecution faces in securing witness testimony during the high-profile impeachment proceedings. Fajarda's potential absence represents a notable gap in the prosecution's witness list as the trial continues in the Senate.
No timeline has been indicated for a final determination on whether Fajarda will ultimately be called to testify. The impeachment trial remains ongoing as both prosecution and defense present their respective cases before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.