Financial analyst testifies in Duterte impeachment trial amid defense objections

MANILA – Prosecutors called a financial forensic analyst to testify Friday during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, proceeding despite objections raised by the defense team over the handling of confidential financial statements.

Duterte's lead defense counsel Atty. Sheila Sison challenged the analyst's authority to access and present the sensitive financial documents as evidence in the case. The defense raised concerns about the legitimacy of the analyst's access to the confidential materials and their admissibility in the impeachment proceedings.

The prosecution argued for the witness's testimony, asserting the relevance of the financial analysis to their case against the Vice President. The trial tribunal ultimately allowed the analyst to proceed with testimony, overruling the defense's objections.

The impeachment trial, which has drawn significant public attention, continues to examine allegations against Duterte. Friday's session marked another contentious moment in the proceedings, highlighting the legal disputes emerging between prosecution and defense teams over evidentiary matters.