The House prosecution panel intends to present Vice President Sara Duterte as a witness in the impeachment trial regarding alleged misuse of confidential funds, a move opposed by her defense team citing constitutional rights.
On September 8, 2026, during the 23rd day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the House prosecution panel expressed its intent to present Duterte herself as a witness for Article 1 of the Articles of Impeachment, which alleges misuse or embezzlement of P612.5 million in confidential funds. Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan stated before the Senate impeachment court that while they could present 15 other witnesses, they prefer to present Duterte as a direct accountability figure. Kapunan highlighted the prosecution’s view that the evidence points exclusively to Duterte, emphasizing the strategic importance of her testimony for the case on confidential fund misuse.
Kapunan also mentioned that Duterte could be called upon to testify on other allegations, including unexplained wealth (Article 2) and bribery (Article 3). However, the prosecution currently does not plan to move for a subpoena compelling her to testify.
In response, lead defense counsel Sheila Sison firmly opposed the idea of Duterte being compelled to testify in her own impeachment trial, citing Article 3, Section 17 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which guarantees the right against self-incrimination. Sison emphasized that this right is absolute and fundamental. She also noted that Duterte is actively participating in her trial through her lawyers and therefore is not abstaining from the process.
Senate impeachment court presiding officer Senator Francis Escudero has yet to decide on the prosecution’s request and is awaiting a formal motion and defense comments regarding the possible subpoena. The trial continues amid these procedural debates, underscoring the constitutional and legal intricacies involved in impeachment proceedings against a sitting Vice President.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/balita/1001611/tagausig-nais-na-isalang-si-vp-sara-duterte-sa-sarili-nitong-impeachment-trial-depensa-pumalag/story/