Senate impeachment court declares Davao mayor hostile witness in VP trial

MANILA — The Senate impeachment court on Tuesday declared Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte a hostile witness during the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on the proceedings' 31st day. The ruling marks a significant development in the high-profile case and grants the House prosecution panel expanded questioning authority. Under the hostile witness designation, prosecutors are permitted to ask the mayor leading questions—a more aggressive interrogation technique typically reserved for adverse witnesses. The declaration came after Duterte took the witness stand, with the court determining his testimony warranted the classification. The impeachment trial of the Vice President has drawn intense public attention as it involves members of the prominent Duterte family. The hostile witness determination is expected to intensify questioning from the prosecution team as they pursue their case against the sitting Vice President. Further proceedings in the Senate impeachment court are expected to continue in the coming days.