(Screengrab from House of Representatives FB live)
MANILA, Philippines – House lead prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro said the withdrawal of several defense witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could suggest their reluctance to be associated with or support the defense’s position.
During a press briefing, Luistro questioned the defense team’s decision to withdraw 18 of its 24 initially listed witnesses, saying the move could create a negative public impression and raise questions about the strength of its case.
She cited the decision of law dean Ralph Sarmiento, who was initially expected to testify for the defense but declined before the trial resumed, citing his desire to maintain independence and impartiality.
“While we commend the reasons behind, which are very valid, and that is he doesn’t want to compromise his independence and impartiality, let us acknowledge, as well, the general impression when a supposed witness declined, backed out, or begged off. The easiest interpretation that you can deduce from that kind of scenario, of course, is always, they do not want to be identified with the party who was supposed to present them,” Luistro said.
The lawmaker clarified that her assessment concerned the possible public perception of witnesses who refuse to testify, regardless of whether they were initially identified by the prosecution or defense.
“So, if there are witnesses who are declining, the easiest interpretation would be that they do not want to be identified as supporting the position of whichever party,” she added.
Luistro said the withdrawals had also fallen short of expectations that the defense would present significant testimony and evidence to challenge the prosecution’s allegations.
“We were anticipating explosive testimonies and/or evidence, but apparently, hindi nga ito kwitis eh, watusi pa yata ito (it is not even a skyrocket, it looks only like a dancing firecracker),” she remarked.
Among those no longer being presented was the barangay captain of Matina Crossing, whose testimony had initially been included in the defense’s witness lineup.
Luistro also disclosed that 15 of the 16 bank officials initially listed as defense witnesses had been withdrawn.
For the remaining Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) witness, she said the defense instead offered to enter into a stipulation concerning a letter that defense counsel Michael Poa had already acknowledged writing.
Quezon City Prosecutor Vimar Barcellano, who was expected to testify about the dismissal of a grave coercion complaint against Duterte, was likewise dropped following a stipulation.
The 18 withdrawn witnesses represented 75 percent of the defense’s original 24-person subpoena list.
While Luistro suggested that the withdrawals could reflect reluctance to support the defense, the decision not to present a witness does not necessarily establish disagreement with a party’s position. Witnesses may also be withdrawn when their expected testimony is covered by stipulations or is no longer considered necessary.
The impeachment trial continues as the Senate Impeachment Court examines the remaining allegations against Duterte, with the prosecution and defense presenting their respective evidence and arguments.
