Prosecution reserves right to have VP as witness in grave threats charge

MANILA, Philippines – Kicking off the second day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the prosecution on Tuesday, through one of its counsels, Lorna Kapunan, reserved its right to call Duterte herself as its witness.

Kapunan filed a manifestation after Duterte failed to appear before the court, despite having earlier visited the Senate.

“On the first article that we will be presenting, which is grave threats and acts of sedition, one of the key witnesses, albeit hostile, would be the vice president,” Kapunan said.

Article continues after this advertisement

She also pointed out: “If the VP is in the premises, does she intend to appear personally before this impeachment court?”

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Sara Duterte arrives at Senate on Day 2 of impeachment trial

In response, the impeachment trial presiding officer, Senator-Judge Francis Escudero, did not act on the motion, citing the lack of a proper request.

“The counsel of prosecutors’ desire to call the respondent herself, the court will act on that motion and request once it is made or filed,” Escudero said.

Kapunan then replied: “We will reserve the right – we are not waiving the right – to do call her at the appropriate time and to do file the appropriate request for a subpoena duces tecum and subpoena testificandum.”

Earlier, Duterte arrived at the Senate only to meet with her defense team, but she had previously been invited to attend the trial./gsg

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.