Politics · Philippines Bureau
Duterte defense removes final bank witness from impeachment trial
Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team has withdrawn its last witness from Bank of the Philippine Islands, preventing prosecutors from questioning a senior executive about bank records potentially related to alleged dollar accounts.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte has dropped a senior executive from Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) from its witness list in the ongoing impeachment trial, eliminating a final opportunity for prosecutors to examine financial records.
The withdrawal of the ranking BPI official marks a significant development in the high-profile proceeding. Prosecutors had indicated they sought to question the executive regarding bank records that could provide clarity on allegations concerning the Vice President's dollar accounts.
The move prevents the prosecution from pursuing this line of questioning through the defense's own witness, a tactic commonly used in legal proceedings to challenge or supplement evidence presented by the opposing side.
The impeachment trial against Vice President Duterte has drawn considerable attention as it proceeds through the House of Representatives. The case centers on allegations of misconduct and misuse of public funds during her tenure as Davao City mayor and in her current position.