Sara Duterte's trial enters second week with new witnesses
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial enters its second week Monday, with prosecutors expected to continue building their case on the article involving her threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The July 13 proceedings will mark the fourth day of what is expected to be a 92-day trial, keeping the impeachment court focused on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment.
National Bureau of Investigation agent Jeremy Lotoc, a seasoned investigator and lawyer, is expected to testify Monday, July 13.
The trial resumes after NBI agent John Mark Calilung testified last week, when Duterte's November 2024 Zoom press conference was played before the impeachment court during his cross-examination.
Duterte's defense team has not denied that the vice president made the remarks attributed to her in the press conference.
The Article IV proceedings are expected to continue with testimony from Lotoc, followed by Zuleika Lopez, Duterte's chief of staff, and Capt. Belinda Bello of the House of Representatives Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Article IV centers on the alleged grave threats Duterte made against Marcos, the first lady and Romualdez.
The impeachment trial opened last week with the Senate sitting as an impeachment court. Proceedings are expected to test how both prosecution and defense panels handle the most politically charged articles against Duterte, including those touching on her public statements, confidential funds and accountability as the country's second-highest official.
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