Retired judge testifies in Duterte impeachment trial on wealth rules

Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang was sworn in as the prosecution's first witness addressing Article II of the impeachment charges during Day 24 of the trial against Vice President Sara Duterte in Manila.

Cabotaje-Tang's testimony centered on the legal framework governing the disclosure and explanation of wealth accumulation, as well as provisions prohibiting public officials from engaging in specified business activities. Her expertise from the bench qualified her to address the constitutional and legal standards at the heart of the impeachment allegations.

The Article II charges form a critical component of the impeachment case, with prosecutors relying on testimony regarding established legal principles to support their arguments. Cabotaje-Tang's appearance marks a significant moment in the trial, as her judicial background provides authoritative perspective on the governing rules and their application to high-ranking government officials.

The impeachment trial has drawn sustained attention as it involves the country's second-highest elected official. The prosecution's strategy of leading with expert testimony on constitutional wealth disclosure requirements signals the emphasis they place on establishing legal context before presenting substantive evidence.