Politics · Philippines Bureau
Ex-law dean refuses to take stand in Duterte impeachment case
Former University of St. La Salle law dean Ralph Sarmiento has declined to serve as a defense witness in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings. Sarmiento cited his inability to testify for either side in the high-profile case.
LSN Philippines ·
DUMAGUETE CITY — A prominent legal educator has stepped back from involvement in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, declining an invitation to testify for the defense.
Ralph Sarmiento, former dean of the University of St. La Salle law school, informed the court of his decision to remain neutral in the matter. "I cannot testify as a witness for either side," Sarmiento stated, according to court records from proceedings held here.
Sarmiento's refusal to participate marks another development in the contentious impeachment case, which has drawn significant public attention since its filing. The ex-law dean's position suggests potential concerns about impartiality or other considerations that led him to avoid involvement in what has become a polarizing political matter.
The defense had apparently sought Sarmiento's testimony to support Vice President Duterte's case, but his withdrawal eliminates that avenue of evidence. The implications of his decision on the broader proceedings remain to be seen as the impeachment case continues through the courts.