Politics · Philippines Bureau
First witness withdraws from Duterte impeachment defense trial
Former University of St. La Salle law dean Ralph Sarmiento has withdrawn as a witness for Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team in her impeachment trial. The pullout marks an early setback for Duterte's legal strategy to challenge allegations of unexplained wealth.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A prominent legal educator has stepped back from testifying in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, dealing an early blow to her defense strategy.
Ralph Sarmiento, the former law dean at University of St. La Salle, informed Duterte's legal team of his decision to withdraw shortly after being identified as the first of 25 planned defense witnesses. The case centers on allegations of unexplained wealth against the Vice President.
Duterte's lawyers had assembled an extensive witness roster to counter claims that she accumulated assets without adequate explanation of their source. The withdrawal of a high-profile figure like Sarmiento, who carries significant credibility in legal circles, underscores potential challenges to her defense presentation.
The impeachment proceedings mark one of the most serious constitutional challenges faced by Duterte since she took office. The Vice President has maintained her innocence regarding all allegations presented in the case.
It remains unclear whether additional witnesses from Duterte's original list may follow Sarmiento's decision to withdraw from participation in the trial.