Impeach court to prosec, defense: No need to explain witnesses’ withdrawal

Senator-judges hold Day 5 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, July 14, 2026. (Photo from NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday has ordered all parties in Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial to no longer explain their decision to withdraw witnesses.

Senator-judge and presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero made the ruling after lead defense counsel Sheila Sison raised this plea in a manifestation.

Sison told the court that the prosecution’s withdrawal of witnesses were “almost always accompanied by lengthy discourse containing conclusions of law and facts” that only the impeachment court can determine.

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