Duterte's legal team questions judge's impartiality in impeachment trial

MANILA — Defense lawyers for Vice President Sara Duterte raised questions about the impartiality of a key witness in her impeachment trial on Monday, challenging retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang during the first cross-examination on Article II of the impeachment complaint.

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan directly asked Cabotaje-Tang whether she harbored any anti-Duterte sentiment, seeking to establish potential bias as testimony continued on allegations of unexplained wealth against the Vice President. The line of questioning reflected the defense strategy to scrutinize the credibility of those involved in the proceedings.

The impeachment trial, which has drawn significant public attention, centers on multiple charges against Duterte. The defense team's focus on judicial impartiality underscores the high stakes of the case and the contentious nature of the proceedings before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.

The cross-examination marks a significant phase in the trial as both sides present their respective arguments and evidence. Duterte has previously denied the allegations against her, and her legal team continues to mount a vigorous defense throughout the impeachment hearings.