MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial resumes Wednesday with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag returning to the witness stand as the defense continues its cross-examination under Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which centers on Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
- On Tuesday or Day 8 of the proceedings, the trial ended with the defense seeking more time to question Matibag, delaying the presentation of witnesses for Article I, which covers Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds.
- The court is expected to issue fresh subpoenas to Marivic Pareja of the House of Representatives Legislative Archives and Museum Management Service, former LandBank Shaw Boulevard branch manager Violeta Constantino, and former LandBank Department of Education branch manager Nenita Camposano, whose appearances were deferred because of the extended testimony.
- The defense sought a continuance after the prosecution introduced the affidavit of former Davao Death Squad member Arturo Lascañas, which was originally linked to another impeachment article.
- Matibag cited portions of Lascañas’ affidavit that he said showed Duterte’s alleged “pattern of violence,” which the NBI considered in its investigation into the alleged threats against President Marcos.
- Before Matibag testified, Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero admonished the NBI chief to refrain from making public statements involving individual senator-judges.
- During his testimony, Matibag said the NBI viewed the alleged threats against the President as “serious, active and continuing” and pointed to similarities between statements made by Vice President Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. / dp
Bookmark this page to stay updated with the latest news and features related to the impeachment of Sara Duterte.
Bookmark this page to stay updated with the latest news and features related to the impeachment of Sara Duterte. /dp
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