Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecution seeks witness reordering as Duterte impeachment trial continues
The Senate impeachment court hearing Vice President Sara Duterte's case encountered a procedural delay on Thursday when prosecutors requested to call a forensic financial analyst before a scheduled Bureau of Internal Revenue official due to counsel illness.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – The 36th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial was marked by a procedural dispute that momentarily disrupted proceedings Thursday as the prosecution sought to alter the witness schedule.
Prosecutors asked the Senate impeachment court to call forensic financial analyst lawyer Alexander Cabrera ahead of the planned Bureau of Internal Revenue witness testimony. The request came after assigned counsel Erwin Matib reported being unable to appear due to illness.
The scheduling conflict underscored the logistical complexities inherent in the high-profile impeachment proceedings, which have stretched through more than a month of testimony and legal arguments.
The Senate impeachment court ultimately adjudicated the procedural matter, allowing the trial to move forward with witness testimony. The trial continues to examine financial and other matters central to the impeachment charges against the Vice President, as both the prosecution and defense present their respective cases before the Senate sitting as an impeachment tribunal.
The proceedings remain ongoing with further witness appearances expected in coming sessions.