Politics · Philippines Bureau
Senate impeachment court allows retired judge to testify in Duterte case
The Senate impeachment court has rejected Vice President Sara Duterte's defense objections to allow a retired Sandiganbayan official to testify as the prosecution's first witness on charges of alleged unexplained wealth.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Senate impeachment court ruled on Monday that retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang may testify in the proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, overruling the defense team's opposition to her appearance.
The House of Representatives prosecutors had sought to present Cabotaje-Tang as their opening witness on impeachment article II, which centers on accusations of unexplained and undisclosed wealth against the vice president. The defense counsel had requested the court block her testimony, but the impeachment court declined to sustain the motion.
Cabotaje-Tang's testimony is expected to address governing principles and legal frameworks regarding disclosure requirements and wealth documentation, matters relevant to the charges against Duterte. The former jurist's background in the anti-graft court positions her as an expert witness on judicial standards and financial accountability.
The ruling marks a significant procedural victory for the prosecution as the Senate impeachment trial continues. The vice president has denied all charges against her, with her legal team maintaining that the impeachment is politically motivated and lacks sufficient evidence.