Manila, Philippines — On the second week of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, the Senate Impeachment Court will continue the discussions on the Article 4 of Impeachment involving the alleged grave threat allegations versus President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In line with this, the prosecution has invited Office of the Vice President Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Atty. Zuleika Lopez to stand as a witness on Day 5 of the trial, July 14.
Lopez is being considered as one of the key figures in the grave threat allegations on Duterte.
To recall, Lopez attended the hearing of the House Committee on good government and public accountability in November 2024, where she was cited in contempt over allegedly blocking the investigation on the alleged confidential funds misuse of the OVP.
Lopez was detained and appeals for her transfer were rejected, hence, a possible trigger that prompted Duterte to badmouth Marcos, first Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then House Speaker Martin Romualdez in a live-streamed briefing.
The Defense is now preparing for Lopez’s scheduled appearance.
Defense Co-counsel Atty. Michael Poa noted that their camp is still studying on whether to cross examine Lopez, saying that they will rely on the Prosecution’s presentation.
Poa added that Lopez is considered as a regular witness rather than a hostile witness.
He emphasized that Lopez cannot be identified as a hostile witness yet, or a witness that will testify against the camp that called her to testify.
Presently, Poa said that their legal strategies remain the same, hoping to cross examine the witnesses, but regused to detail the matter in respect to the merit of the case.
Moreover, he said that there is no confirmation yet on the Vice President’s next appearance in the Senate—whether for a meeting or to attend the trial.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News