Duterte defense scales back witness presentation at impeachment trial

MANILA — The defense team in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial significantly scaled back its witness presentations Thursday, according to spokesperson Michael Poa. Instead of presenting 15 bank officials as originally planned, the defense will call only Paul Roderick Ysmael, senior vice president of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, to testify. The decision marks a notable shift in the defense's strategy as the trial enters its sixth week. The reasons for the sudden reduction in witnesses were not immediately detailed. The impeachment trial has proceeded through contentious hearings since its inception, with both the prosecution and defense presenting various witnesses and evidence. Ysmael's testimony is expected to focus on matters related to the charges against the Vice President, though specifics of his anticipated statements were not disclosed.