Duterte impeachment trial enters new phase with reserved witness testimony

MANILA — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte advanced to a new evidentiary phase Tuesday with the prosecution presenting its initial reserved witness, a procedural step that allows prosecutors to introduce testimony on matters they had previously withheld from the defense.

Police Major Jovelyn Magay is slated to testify regarding Article I of the impeachment complaint, which centers on allegations that Duterte misused confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as Davao City mayor. The prosecution has identified two reserved witnesses to address this particular charge, though details about their specific testimony remain undisclosed.

Reserved witness procedures permit the prosecution to introduce surprise testimony without prior notice to the defense, a measure typically employed when prosecutors cite security concerns or risk of witness intimidation. The prosecution has maintained secrecy around Magay's expected testimony, declining to elaborate on the nature of evidence or documents the witness will address.

The trial, now in its 23rd day of proceedings, continues to examine multiple articles of impeachment against the Vice President. The introduction of reserved witnesses signals the prosecution's effort to strengthen its case on the confidential funds allegation, one of the most significant charges in the complaint.