Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecution to Call VP Duterte as Witness in Impeachment Trial
The prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial will call her to testify regarding allegations of misuse of confidential funds and other matters related to the first article of impeachment. Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan announced the decision on Tuesday, saying the panel would forgo calling other witnesses for this portion of the case.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The prosecution team handling Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case has decided to call the vice president herself to the witness stand, according to an announcement made by private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan on Tuesday.
Kapunan indicated that the prosecution would bypass calling other witnesses for Article I of the Articles of Impeachment, instead focusing on direct testimony from Duterte. The move aims to address multiple issues raised in the impeachment complaint, including allegations concerning the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds.
The decision represents a significant tactical shift in the impeachment trial, which has drawn intense public and political scrutiny. By calling Duterte as a witness, the prosecution will have the opportunity to question her directly about the allegations against her, potentially expediting proceedings while keeping the focus on the vice president's own account of the matters in question.
The impeachment trial continues as the country's political establishment remains divided over the charges against Duterte. Her testimony is expected to address the core allegations outlined in Article I of the impeachment complaint filed against her.