Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team faces a challenging tactical dilemma over whether to allow her to take the witness stand in her upcoming impeachment trial, according to Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua.
Speaking at a media forum in Quezon City over the weekend, Chua emphasized that the decision requires a high-stakes calculation by her lawyers.
“Yun ay nasa sound discretion po ng defense kung sa tingin po nila na mas makakatulong sa kanila ang appearance ng ating Vice President. So, it’s a matter of legal strategy on the part of the defense panel,” he remarked.
The lawmaker pointed out that while testifying could potentially strengthen the Vice President’s defense, it simultaneously exposes her to intense scrutiny from the House prosecution panel.
“Once na siya po ay ginawa nilang testigo, she will be subjected to cross-examination,” Chua pointed out.
Under established impeachment protocols, if Duterte is called to testify by her own counsel, she will first undergo a direct examination by her defense team. Afterward, she will be required to answer questions from the prosecution.
“So pag-inupo siya, magsasalita po siya, ‘yun po ‘yung kanyang direct examination. Tapos kami naman po, iko-cross namin po siya,” Chua explained.
Both the defense and prosecution panels are expected to file their respective pre-trial briefs this Monday, which will detail their evidence and witness lists.
The Senate, sitting as the impeachment court, has scheduled the pre-trial conference for June 18, while the formal trial is set to begin on July 6.