Sara Duterte trial: Prosecution may call Jaime Cruz as witness

MANILA, Philippines — Jaime T. Cruz, who was identified as an incorporator of the same businesses in which Vice President Sara Duterte declared having stocks, may also be called as a witness before the Senate Impeachment Court, House prosecution spokesperson Ace Barbers said Monday. Barbers made the statement after the conclusion of the 27th day of the impeachment trial. The potential testimony of Cruz could be significant in determining the Vice President's involvement in these businesses and whether it constitutes grounds for impeachment. This development is seen as part of the ongoing scrutiny of transparency and accountability in Philippine politics. The Vice President's fitness for public office and the separation of public duties from private interests are likely to face further examination in the proceedings. In the Philippines, politicians' asset declarations and business involvements are subjects of high public interest and frequent debate. The possibility of Cruz's testimony reflects this societal oversight.