Professor declines defense’s summons

Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team has lined up 24 witnesses for her impeachment trial, but its planned first witness, law professor Ralph Sarmiento, has declined to participate, citing the need to preserve his independence as a constitutional law scholar.

In a statement Thursday, Sarmiento said he had not expected his views, which he regularly shares on social media, to potentially become part of the impeachment proceedings.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to decline participation as a witness in the proceedings. This is a personal decision to preserve the independence of my constitutional law scholarship and the impartiality of my legal views and opinions,” he said.

Sarmiento, a professor and former dean of the University of St. La Salle College of Law, said he had asked the defense to withdraw its subpoena request or recall it if already issued.

Defense spokesperson Michael Poa said the panel respected his decision and appreciated his initial consideration of the invitation.

The defense has submitted a revised lineup of 24 witnesses, including corporate officials, local government personnel and representatives of eight banks, to address allegations involving Duterte’s business interests, properties, financial transactions and income.

Among those listed are corporate counsel Suzette Balucanag-Punay, Davao City and Island Garden City of Samal assessors, and Davao City Accountant Vingelin Bajan, who are expected to present company, property and payroll records.

Representatives of BDO, BPI, EastWest, LandBank, Metrobank, Philippine Savings Bank, Security Bank and UnionBank are also expected to identify correspondence and documents concerning requests made by Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, through their lawyers.

The defense filed two manifestations on 4 November seeking subpoenas for hearings scheduled from 9 to 13 November, impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol said. The requests remain subject to approval by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the court’s presiding officer.

The trial resumes Monday, 9 November, with the defense presenting evidence against Article II, the sole remaining impeachment charge, which alleges unexplained wealth, incomplete asset disclosures and prohibited business interests.

Meanwhile, the defense also asked the Senate impeachment court to continue enforcing restrictions on public discussion of her impeachment trial, insisting that the withdrawal of three impeachment articles does not mean she has waived her right to protection under the sub judice rule.

In a manifestation filed on 4 November, Duterte’s lawyers maintained that she remains opposed to any form of trial by publicity and that the court should continue enforcing Rule 18 to protect the integrity of the proceedings and her constitutional rights.

“She is not waiving Rule 18 and that she remains uninterested in any form of trial by publicity,” Tongol said, citing the defense’s manifestation.

The defense further asserted that the court “must maintain and enforce the sub judice rule to preserve the integrity of the proceedings and respect her constitutional rights.”