Politics · Philippines Bureau
Lawmaker backs ex-dean's withdrawal from Duterte impeachment trial
A Bicol party-list representative has supported a former law school dean's decision to withdraw as a witness in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings, arguing that substantive financial questions should take priority over legal technicalities.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Tuesday defended a former law school dean's decision to step back from testifying in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, saying the focus should remain on addressing numerical discrepancies rather than procedural matters.
Ridon's statement comes as the impeachment panel continues to examine allegations related to unexplained wealth. The lawmaker emphasized that the core issue centers on financial figures and their documentation, matters that transcend questions of legal procedure.
"What needs to be addressed are the numbers concerning the unexplained wealth issue, and not legalities," Ridon said, suggesting that Duterte's camp should redirect its attention to substantive economic questions raised by the impeachment complaint.
The ex-dean's withdrawal from the witness stand represents a setback for those pushing the impeachment case forward. However, Ridon's remarks indicate that impeachment supporters remain focused on compelling answers regarding the alleged financial discrepancies at the center of the proceedings.
The impeachment trial continues amid broader political tension, with investigators and lawmakers seeking clarification on the sources and documentation of contested wealth accumulation.