Law dean Ralph Sarmiento, who was initially selected by the defense panel as a witness in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, explained his decision not to participate as a defense witness during his appearance on the witness stand on November 9.
Sarmiento said his decision was motivated by his desire to preserve his academic independence and maintain impartiality in his legal views, particularly in the field of constitutional law.
According to Sarmiento, participating as a defense witness could affect his freedom to conduct academic research and express independent legal opinions on constitutional issues.
He emphasized the importance of protecting the independence of his scholarly work and ensuring that his legal interpretations remain free from any perception of bias toward either side of the impeachment proceedings.
His decision came as the impeachment trial continued examining legal and constitutional issues surrounding the allegations against the Vice President.
Sarmiento’s explanation highlighted the distinction between providing independent academic analysis and participating as a witness for one of the parties in a politically sensitive legal proceeding.
The law dean maintained that his decision was personal and centered on safeguarding his academic freedom and impartiality.
The circumstances of his appearance on the witness stand, despite declining the defense witness role, were not specified in the information provided.
