Sara Duterte's Counsel Cites Constitution Against Compelled Testimony in Impeachment Trial

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s lead defense counsel Atty. Sheila Sison invoked a Constitutional provision prohibiting the accused from testifying against his or her own trial, after the prosecution team said they intend to call Duterte as a witness. “There is an innate problem in that kind of request… because the Constitution prohibits this kind of testimonial compulsion from the accused herself,” Sison said. Sison made the statement on day 23 of the impeachment trial of Duterte in response to a manifestation made by prosecution counsel Lorna Kapunan where she announced that they intend to call Duterte to the witness stand, at the appropriate time. This, after the Kapunan likewise announced that the prosecution team are foregoing the 15 remaining witnesses for Article I, or the alleged misuse, misappropriation, and irregular liquidation of confidential funds. According to Sison, Article III, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution puts in a “guarantee” that “no person should be compelled to testify against himself or herself.” “This is a fundamental right” from the Constitution itself, that protects not just the vice president but any Filipino, she added. Sison, however, said the defense team reserves their right to formally comment on the matter once the prosecution team makes a formal motion or request to subpoena Duterte. Despite the prosecution’s repeated calls for Duterte to appear before the impeachment court, Sison likewise reiterated their stance since the trials began in July that Duterte is amply represented by her lawyers. “It is clear that the respondent is here, through her counsel. If the Respondent is not interested in this trial, she would not have even sent her lawyers to defend her in this case,” Sison said.