Politics · Philippines Bureau
VP Duterte's defense expects witnesses to attend impeachment trial
The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte expressed confidence Monday that upcoming witnesses will testify at the Senate impeachment court, even as two initially scheduled witnesses withdrew from proceedings.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Defense counsel Michael Poa said the team remained optimistic about securing witness attendance for the ongoing impeachment trial, despite setbacks earlier in the week when two individuals excused themselves from testifying.
"We are confident that our next witnesses will appear before the Senate impeachment court," Poa told reporters Monday. The defense team had prepared two witnesses for the session, but both subsequently requested to be excused from proceedings.
The withdrawal of the witnesses marks a challenge for Vice President Duterte's legal strategy as the impeachment trial advances through the Senate. Poa did not specify the identity of replacement witnesses or provide details on their expected testimony.
The impeachment proceedings against the Vice President have drawn significant public and legislative attention since their inception. The Senate impeachment court has been hearing arguments and witness testimony as it works through the formal complaint filed against Duterte.
The defense team has indicated it will continue presenting its case and has lined up additional witnesses for upcoming court sessions to address the charges raised in the impeachment complaint.