Politics · Philippines Bureau
House prosecutors drop CSC witness to expedite Duterte impeachment trial
Prosecutors in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial said Monday they will not call a Civil Service Commission official as a witness, citing sufficient evidence already presented. The decision aims to accelerate proceedings that have drawn intense public scrutiny.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – House prosecutors overseeing the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte announced they would forgo testimony from Civil Service Commission Assistant Commissioner Ariel Ronquillo, declaring they have gathered adequate evidence to support their case.
Rep. Terry Ridon, a member of the prosecution panel, said the decision was made to streamline the proceedings and avoid unnecessary delays. The prosecutors indicated they were satisfied with testimonies already submitted by retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and officials from the Office of the Ombudsman.
The move reflects efforts by prosecutors to maintain momentum in the high-profile case against the sitting Vice President. Impeachment trials in the Philippines can extend for extended periods, and procedural decisions about witness presentation significantly impact their duration.
The trial has attracted widespread attention across the country, with key constitutional questions and governance issues at stake. The prosecution's strategy to limit witness calls while maintaining evidentiary support demonstrates a calculated approach to balancing thoroughness with efficiency.