Impeachment court permits corporate counsel to testify for Duterte-linked firms

MANILA — The Senate Impeachment Court on Wednesday overruled a prosecution challenge and permitted corporate counsel Suzette Balucanag-Punay to testify in defense of two companies linked to the Vice President. Balucanag-Punay, serving as in-house counsel for GenCorp Industries Inc. and Metro City Chow Foods Corp., was called to the witness stand by the defense team as part of their case presentation. The prosecution had contested her authority to represent the two firms during the proceedings, but the court ultimately granted permission for her testimony to proceed. The ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing impeachment case, as it determines whose voices can be heard in presenting the defense's version of events. The implications of Balucanag-Punay's testimony remain to be seen as the impeachment court continues to hear arguments and evidence from both sides of the case.