Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Aide to Testify Amid Grave Threats Allegations

Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial resumes Tuesday, July 14, entering its fifth day. The prosecution is expected to call Zuleika Lopez, one of Duterte's closest aides, to the stand. Lopez is expected to testify regarding an article of impeachment detailing alleged "grave threats" against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family. Lopez was issued a subpoena compelling her to appear before the court on July 13 and July 14 to provide "material testimony" in relation to the case. Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol stated that the court may order Lopez to explain her absence should she fail to appear and testify. Prior to Lopez's testimony, Duterte's defense team will continue the cross-examination of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Bangsamoro regional director Jeremy Lotoc. During Monday's hearing, Lotoc testified that the NBI found Duterte committed the crimes of grave threats and inciting to sedition. The prosecution presented NBI regional director Jeremy Lotoc as its second witness on Monday. The House prosecution team stated it remains focused on building an "airtight" case against the vice president, rather than speculating on the number of votes needed for a conviction. House prosecutors said Duterte's possible attendance at the impeachment trial would not affect the prosecution's strategy or presentation of evidence. Representative Ace Barbers affirmed that the prosecution is prepared to present its witnesses and evidence regardless of who attends the proceedings. The prosecution continued presenting evidence on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which concerns alleged grave threats made by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez. An official stated on Monday that the recommendations of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are not binding upon the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the local courts. Testifying at Duterte's impeachment trial, NBI-Bangsamoro Regional Director Atty. Jeremy Lotoc told the Senate impeachment court, "The DOJ will assess and evaluate." The second week of Duterte's impeachment trial opened with Lotoc testifying on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which concerns alleged grave threats and an assassination plot targeting President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.