Senate impeachment court clears AMLC official to testify against VP Duterte

MANILA – The Senate impeachment court on Monday overruled objections from Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team, clearing the way for an Anti-Money Laundering Council executive to testify in the ongoing proceedings. Presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero issued the ruling after the defense moved to exclude the witness from presenting evidence. The AMLC official is expected to provide testimony concerning financial transactions attributed to the Vice President that the agency had previously flagged as potentially suspicious. The decision represents a significant development in the high-profile impeachment case, as the council's records are considered critical documentation in tracing alleged irregular fund movements. The defense's unsuccessful challenge underscores the contentious nature of proceedings, with both sides presenting competing arguments about the admissibility and relevance of evidence. The testimony is expected to proceed as scheduled, with investigators planning to detail specific transactions and the rationale behind the AMLC's flagging protocols.