MANILA, Philippines — As the political landscape braces for the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a prominent lawmaker has flagged a potential legal pitfall for the defense: putting the Vice President herself on the stand.
Rep. Joel Chua (Manila, 3rd District), who serves on the House prosecution panel, floated the warning over the weekend. He suggested that any anticipation or potential plan by the defense team to have Duterte testify might do more harm than good to her legal battle.
In high-profile impeachment proceedings, a respondent’s direct testimony is often viewed as a double-edged sword. While it allows the accused to speak directly to the public and the senator-judges, it subjects them to rigorous, unscripted questioning from prosecutors. Chua’s remarks underscore the prosecution’s readiness to capitalize on any strategic missteps by the defense.
Whether Duterte will face her accusers directly under oath remains unconfirmed, but the debate surrounding her potential testimony adds another layer of tension to an already highly charged constitutional process.
ia/xf
