Duterte's defense witness admits close ties to VP, her husband

MANILA — The witness called to dispute allegations of irregular credit card transactions admitted Thursday to harboring close personal ties with Vice President Sara Duterte and her spouse, lawyer Manases Carpio, during cross-examination at the impeachment proceedings.

Lawyer Anel Antero, presented as a defense witness, revealed that he regularly receives compensation from the couple for providing legal services, according to questioning by the prosecution panel during the trial.

The admission raises questions about the credibility of Duterte's defense strategy, as prosecutors may argue that witnesses with financial interests tied to the vice president could have motives to provide favorable testimony. The line of questioning by the prosecution sought to establish whether Antero's close relationship to the accused might bias his account.

The impeachment trial has centered on allegations that Duterte used credit cards in unusual patterns, with prosecutors scrutinizing the financial activities in question. Duterte's legal team has sought to present evidence countering the claims, but Thursday's testimony by Antero appears to have complicated their defense.

The trial is ongoing, with additional witnesses expected to present testimony in coming sessions.