Politics · Philippines Bureau
Duterte's Legal Team Questions Prosecution's Request for Witness Substitution
Vice President Sara Duterte's lead counsel has challenged the prosecution panel's request to adjust witness schedules in the impeachment trial, pointing out the inconsistency of asking the defense to accommodate a change caused by a prosecutor's illness.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Lawyer Sheila Sison, serving as Vice President Sara Duterte's lead counsel in the impeachment proceedings, has raised objections to a prosecution request for the defense team to modify its witness presentation schedule.
The prosecution sought to allow a forensic financial analyst to testify in place of an originally scheduled witness. However, Sison questioned why the defense should bear the burden of adjustment when the scheduling conflict arose from illness affecting a private prosecutor rather than the defense side.
The exchange highlights mounting tensions during the impeachment trial as both legal teams navigate procedural matters and witness arrangements. Sison's challenge underscores the defense's position that accommodations should not fall disproportionately on the defense panel.
The trial continues as both sides present evidence and testimony related to the impeachment case against the Vice President. The proceedings have drawn significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the case and its implications for the administration.