Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Article I evidence winds down, focus shifts to conviction votes

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte has reached a critical juncture as the prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence for Article I, which accuses her of misuse, misappropriation, and irregular liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds. The prosecution panel announced on Tuesday, September 8, that it would forgo its remaining 15 witnesses, signaling its intent to call Vice President Duterte herself to the stand. Prosecutors believe they have sufficiently established their case with the 12 witnesses presented and thousands of documents submitted. "All of these pawns and castles and horses and bishops point to only one person, and that accountable person is the vice president. And that is why, in lieu of presenting 15 other witnesses, we will be presenting [Duterte] herself,” said private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan. Defense counsel Sheila Sison, however, countered that the Constitution bars compelling Duterte to testify, stating the defense will file a written comment if a formal motion to subpoena her is filed. Presiding officer Sen. Chiz Escudero noted that former Chief Justice Renato Corona testified in 2012, and while Sison pointed out Corona's voluntary appearance, Escudero suggested nothing prevents Duterte from choosing to appear. Meanwhile, for Article II concerning unexplained wealth, the prosecution has served the defense with 104 requests for admission. Prosecutor Chel Diokno explained that this mechanism, under Rule 26 of the Rules of Court, allows the prosecution to establish facts without further testimony if the defense fails to respond within the given timeframe. Defense counsel Michael Poa requested 15 days to respond, which Escudero granted, emphasizing it is non-extendable and warning against blanket denials. The trial will proceed without pause during this period, with the court having canceled the trial for the following day to allow panels to mark exhibits. Over 1,800 bank and insurance records obtained under subpoena still require marking. A significant development is the impending ruling on the number of votes required for conviction. Sen. Erwin Tulfo moved to clarify the threshold, given that four senators are currently unable to participate: Sen. Loren Legarda (medical leave), Sen. Bato dela Rosa (facing ICC warrant), and Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta (detained on plunder charges). Tulfo questioned whether the "two-thirds vote" refers to the total membership or only those within the chamber's coercive power, fearing an acquittal by default if the former interpretation is strictly applied. Escudero treated Tulfo's motion as an appeal of his earlier ruling and set a process for resolution. The court will hear from amici curiae on September 16, followed by oral arguments from both panels on September 23, with a vote to be taken the same day. This decision on the vote threshold will be crucial in determining the outcome of the impeachment proceedings. Information source: Philstar Nation