Prosecution drops Zuleika Lopez as witness in VP Sara Duterte trial

MANILA, Philippines – The prosecution has withdrawn its request to have Zuleika Lopez, chief of staff to the Vice President, testify in the ongoing impeachment trial. Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan stated on Tuesday, July 14, that Lopez's testimony was "totally unnecessary." Kapunan explained that Lopez was intended to prove the Vice President's alleged statements during a press conference, claiming she had "already contracted a killer to kill the President, the First Lady, and the House speaker." However, with Attorney Mark Vinluan having "mentioned more than 10 times that press conference occurred, Vice President and Zuleika was (sic) there," Lopez's direct testimony was deemed redundant. Lopez had been present at the Senate on Monday and Tuesday, awaiting her turn to be called as a witness, but was ultimately not presented. It was suggested that had she testified, Lopez might have been declared a hostile witness by the prosecution. The events leading to this trial stem from an incident on November 21, 2024, when the Vice President confined herself in her brother's office at the House of Representatives. Days later, she held a virtual media conference where she allegedly threatened the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family. This occurred while Lopez was detained at the House after being cited in contempt during an inquiry into the Vice President's alleged misuse of funds. Duterte's outburst was reportedly triggered when Lopez experienced an anxiety attack during the November 23, 2024, Zoom press conference, after the House ordered her transfer to the Women's Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City. While Lopez was initially slated to give the unauthorized press conference from her detention cell, the Vice President took over after her chief of staff suffered the attack. In addition to Lopez, the prosecution also dropped House security officer Belinda Bello from its witness list. Bello's role was to corroborate the transfer order for Lopez, a purpose now deemed unnecessary. This development in the impeachment trial highlights the political dynamics within the Philippines. The stability of the political landscape is crucial for economic growth and the well-being of its citizens, particularly given the significant number of overseas Filipino workers whose remittances are vital to the economy. For Japan, a close ally and major trading partner, the political stability in the Philippines directly impacts investment confidence and bilateral economic cooperation.