NBI agents to testify first in VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — Officials and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are set to be the first to take the stand in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, testifying for the prosecution on allegations of grave threats. The Senate impeachment court will hear from NBI regional director Jeremy Lotoc and senior agent John Mark Calilung, who will testify on the livestreamed threats attributed to Duterte. These threats allegedly involved statements about assassinating President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and former speaker Martin Romualdez, should she herself be killed. The NBI has authenticated Duterte’s livestreamed threats, confirming that the expletive-laden video clips were unaltered and not generated by artificial intelligence. At a press briefing, impeachment court spokesman Reginald Tongol stated that the prosecution’s request for subpoena on the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and several bank records of the Vice President is also being considered. However, presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero deferred a ruling, allowing parties five days to file comments or opposition after all subpoena requests are furnished to each other. Tongol also clarified that Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian’s decision to yield the presiding officer role to Escudero was part of an amicable agreement for labor division during the trial, drawing parallels to the 2000 impeachment trial of former President Joseph Estrada. "When it comes to the impeachment trial, they are equals. There is division of labor. We do not want to degrade the Office of the Senate President by letting him sit among senator judges," Tongol said. Meanwhile, Escudero ordered the return of a box containing tax records of Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). He explained that the court is not yet the "custodial legis" and there is no lawful order for the box to be turned over to the Senate. The box, not yet marked as evidence, is to be returned to the BIR unopened and sealed, "without prejudice to any actions the court may take." A constitutional law expert suggested that it would be beneficial for the Vice President herself to allow the unsealing of the box containing her and her husband’s tax records. Domingo Cayosa, former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, stated that if he were the Vice President, he would proactively go to the Senate on the first day and say 'open that box' to deliver a message that "I am not hiding anything." Cayosa maintained it would be "very simple" and "not difficult" for Duterte to command the opening of the box, which would supposedly be presented as evidence in Article II of Duterte’s impeachment complaint on her alleged unexplained wealth. Cayosa emphasized the Senate impeachment court's authority to unseal the tax records, asserting, "The impeachment court can decide. It is a court, no one can impede them from opening it." Earlier yesterday during the flag-raising ceremony, Gatchalian thanked Senate officials and employees for their help in upholding the integrity of the Senate. "I thank all of you because, despite what our institution is going through, you have continued to provide quality service to our fellow Filipinos. I ask you to trust me that we will not do anything that will damage the institution we all cherish," he said. Separately, Davao 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte, the Vice President's brother, expressed hope for a professional and fair impeachment trial. He stated, "I hope the proceedings will be conducted fairly, professionally and without unnecessary distractions," adding that "the truth to emerge" amid speculation and political narratives. He urged the public to rely on facts and evidence, not rumors or propaganda. "The Filipino people deserve facts, not rumors. Evidence, not innuendo. Truth, not propaganda," Duterte added. He also expressed confidence that the Vice President is ready to face all charges and hoped she would be given the opportunity to answer them. "At the end of the day, political attacks may generate headlines, but only the truth can stand scrutiny," he concluded. Vice President Duterte faces accusations including misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against President Marcos. Information Source: Philstar Nation