NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Sara Duterte Defense Gears Up For Article I As Impeachment Trial Enters Next Phase
PHOTO CREDIT: SENATE PH
The legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte said it is preparing for the next phase of the impeachment trial as the proceedings are expected to transition from Article IV to Article I of the Articles of Impeachment.
Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's hearing, the defense said it has been preparing for all of the impeachment articles since the start of the trial and is ready to respond to any witness the House prosecution may present. While the team is now shifting its attention to Article I, it remains prepared for the testimony of NBI Director Melvin Matibag, whose appearance before the Senate impeachment court has been rescheduled for next week.
The defense also said the prosecution's decision to withdraw some witnesses under Article IV would not affect its preparations, stressing that the selection of witnesses is entirely within the prosecution's discretion.
Earlier in the day, the Senate impeachment court heard oral arguments on the House prosecution panel's request to subpoena bank records, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) documents, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports that prosecutors said are relevant to the impeachment case.
The requested documents are intended to support the prosecution's presentation of Article II, which centers on allegations involving Duterte's wealth, Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), and business interests.
During the post-hearing briefing, the defense reiterated that any subpoena issued by the impeachment court must satisfy the legal requirements of definiteness and relevance. The lawyers argued that due process must be observed throughout every stage of the impeachment proceedings and that laws protecting confidential financial records should not be disregarded without sufficient legal basis.
The defense also cited the Supreme Court's ruling in Duterte v. House of Representatives, saying the decision provides guidelines that should be considered by the impeachment court in resolving the subpoena requests. The lawyers noted that the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona took place before the High Court issued that ruling.
Despite opposing the prosecution's motion, the defense said it would respect whatever decision the impeachment court ultimately reaches. However, the lawyers declined to discuss possible legal remedies should the ruling go against them, saying it would be premature to speculate before the court issues its decision.
The Senate impeachment court is expected to continue hearing evidence under Article IV, with NBI Director Melvin Matibag still scheduled to testify, before proceedings move to Article I, which deals with allegations involving the Vice President's use of confidential funds.
Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's hearing, the defense said it has been preparing for all of the impeachment articles since the start of the trial and is ready to respond to any witness the House prosecution may present. While the team is now shifting its attention to Article I, it remains prepared for the testimony of NBI Director Melvin Matibag, whose appearance before the Senate impeachment court has been rescheduled for next week.
The defense also said the prosecution's decision to withdraw some witnesses under Article IV would not affect its preparations, stressing that the selection of witnesses is entirely within the prosecution's discretion.
Earlier in the day, the Senate impeachment court heard oral arguments on the House prosecution panel's request to subpoena bank records, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) documents, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports that prosecutors said are relevant to the impeachment case.
The requested documents are intended to support the prosecution's presentation of Article II, which centers on allegations involving Duterte's wealth, Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), and business interests.
During the post-hearing briefing, the defense reiterated that any subpoena issued by the impeachment court must satisfy the legal requirements of definiteness and relevance. The lawyers argued that due process must be observed throughout every stage of the impeachment proceedings and that laws protecting confidential financial records should not be disregarded without sufficient legal basis.
The defense also cited the Supreme Court's ruling in Duterte v. House of Representatives, saying the decision provides guidelines that should be considered by the impeachment court in resolving the subpoena requests. The lawyers noted that the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona took place before the High Court issued that ruling.
Despite opposing the prosecution's motion, the defense said it would respect whatever decision the impeachment court ultimately reaches. However, the lawyers declined to discuss possible legal remedies should the ruling go against them, saying it would be premature to speculate before the court issues its decision.
The Senate impeachment court is expected to continue hearing evidence under Article IV, with NBI Director Melvin Matibag still scheduled to testify, before proceedings move to Article I, which deals with allegations involving the Vice President's use of confidential funds.
Jul 15, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
