Politics · Philippines Bureau
Fajarda unlikely to testify soon in Duterte impeachment trial
A key former Department of Education official faces a 30-day medical rest period that will likely prevent him from appearing as a witness in Vice President Sara Duterte's ongoing impeachment proceedings, according to prosecutors.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – House prosecutors indicated Monday that Edward Fajarda, former special disbursing officer of the Department of Education, will not be called to testify in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial in the near term due to medical constraints.
Rep. Joel Chua, a member of the House prosecution panel, said it is "impossible" to summon Fajarda as a witness at present after medical professionals advised him to undergo a 30-day rest period. The former official served as SDO during Duterte's tenure as education secretary.
Fajarda's unavailability represents a potential setback for prosecutors seeking to build their case against the Vice President. Details regarding the nature of his medical condition and the specific testimony prosecutors hoped to elicit were not disclosed.
The impeachment trial, which has drawn significant political attention, continues to proceed with other witnesses and evidence. It remains unclear whether prosecutors plan to call Fajarda to testify once his recovery period concludes.