Senate warns witnesses of contempt charges in Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA — A senior member of the Senate Impeachment Court issued a stern warning Tuesday to witnesses testifying in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, threatening contempt charges for conduct that trivializes the proceedings.

Senator Panfilo Lacson reminded those appearing before the chamber that it possesses full authority to cite individuals for contempt should their testimony or demeanor constitute what he termed a "mockery" of the court's work.

Lacson's admonition followed the appearance of Davao City Assessor, identified as the first defense witness to testify in the high-profile impeachment case. The specific nature of concerns prompting the warning was not detailed in the senator's public remarks.

The Senate Impeachment Court, composed of 24 senators serving as judges, maintains broad discretionary powers to enforce courtroom decorum and preserve the solemnity of impeachment proceedings. Contempt citations carry potential penalties including fines and detention.

The impeachment trial, which represents only the second such proceeding in Philippine history targeting a sitting vice president, continues to draw intense public scrutiny and media attention as it progresses through its defense phase.