Duterte impeachment trial continues with defense witnesses on day 43

MANILA — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered its 43rd day Thursday as her defense team mounted its case before the Senate. Four witnesses were scheduled to testify, beginning with Paul Roderick Ysmael, senior vice president and legal counsel at the Bank of the Philippine Islands. The high-ranking banking official's appearance underscored the defense's strategy to present credible institutional figures in response to charges filed against the vice president. Ysmael was followed by Anel Martin, a senior partner at the law firm Mendoza Antero & Associates, as the defense continued presenting its evidence and testimony. The trial has stretched across several weeks as both the prosecution and defense present their respective arguments and witnesses. The proceedings marked a significant phase in the constitutional process, with the Senate serving as the trial body tasked with determining whether the vice president should be convicted or acquitted of the impeachment charges.