Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Cross-exam deferred to Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court on Tuesday deferred to Wednesday the defense’s cross-examination of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent who testified in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial along with the presentation of another witness by the House prosecution panel.

This as the cross examinations was supposed to be held the same day NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung was presented before the court as the parties tackled Article IV of the articles of impeachment Duterte faces.

The article involves Duterte’s alleged assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

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

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“In response to the requests of some of our members, and as decided by the presiding officer, we will postpone the cross-examination by the counsel for the respondent until tomorrow,” said Escudero.

“The witness is under the same obligations to appear tomorrow by virtue of the same subpoena issued to him, the same is true with respect to Atty. Jeremy Lontoc,” he added.

Escudero then noted that the subpoena issued to both NBI agents already provides two dates for their required appearance.

Duterte’s impeachment trial is expected to run 92 days, which means it may extend until early 2027.

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Under the 1987 Constitution, conviction requires the vote of at least two-thirds of all senator-judges.

If convicted, Duterte faces possible removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding any public office. /mr

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