Politics · Philippines Bureau
Key testimony in Duterte impeachment trial suggests VP knew of OVP activities
A hostile witness from the Office of the Vice President told the Senate impeachment court that Vice President Sara Duterte was aware of and authorized activities related to her office. The testimony marked a significant development in the ongoing trial.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA, Philippines – The eighth week of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial produced pivotal testimony on August 25, when Lemuel Ortonio, Assistant Chief of Staff of the Office of the Vice President, took the stand as the court's second hostile witness.
Ortonio testified before the Senate impeachment court that Vice President Duterte had knowledge of and authorized activities conducted by her office. His account represented one of the most consequential pieces of testimony presented to date in the proceedings, which have now extended into their third month.
The testimony came on Day 18 of the trial, adding pressure to the impeachment case as witnesses continue to provide accounts of the Vice President's involvement in various office operations. The proceeding has drawn significant public attention as both the prosecution and defense teams present their respective cases before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.
The trial continues to unfold as additional evidence and witness testimony shape the ongoing legal proceedings against the sitting Vice President.