Politics · Philippines Bureau
Duterte defense calls legal expert to counter wealth charges
Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team will present a former law dean as its opening witness to challenge prosecution allegations of unexplained wealth accumulation when trial proceedings resume next week.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte notified the prosecution on Wednesday of plans to call a retired law school dean as the first witness in her upcoming trial, aimed at countering government claims that she unlawfully accumulated assets while holding public office.
The Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law firm, representing Duterte, indicated the legal academic will testify to refute the prosecution's case regarding the alleged amassing of unexplained wealth. The move signals the defense strategy to leverage expert testimony in dismantling the charges when court hearings resume next week.
The case centers on accusations that Duterte failed to account for significant assets beyond what her official salary and declared income would ordinarily permit. Duterte has previously denied the allegations, maintaining transparency in her financial disclosures.
The trial has drawn substantial public attention given Duterte's prominence as the sitting vice president and her family's political standing in Mindanao. The proceedings continue a contentious period in Philippine politics following her public disputes with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and her resignation from the Cabinet.