Second prosecution witness declared hostile in Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte proceeded Monday with testimony from Lemuel Ortonio, Assistant Chief of Staff of the Office of the Vice President, who became the second prosecution witness to be declared hostile by the impeachment court. The designation grants the private prosecution legal latitude in examining the witness despite his association with their case. The trial has maintained a rigorous schedule as both prosecution and defense present their arguments before the Senate-led impeachment court. The hostile witness declaration underscores the contentious nature of the proceedings, with witnesses from the Vice President's own office providing testimony that the prosecution has found inconsistent with its case theory. The case continues to draw significant public attention as one of the most consequential impeachment proceedings in recent Philippine history, with legal observers noting the complexity of examining officials and staff members with direct knowledge of the events in question.