Sara Duterte impeachment trial resumes for sixth day

Mikaela Ariar, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
July 15, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Inday Sara Duterte | FB

PHILIPPINES – The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes for its sixth day on July 15, with no witness testimony arranged after the House prosecution panel pulled out two witnesses from the lineup.

The prosecution withrew her chief of staff, lawyer Zuleika Lopez, and House Legislative Security Bureau Executive Director Capt. Belinda Bello, stating their statements had become corroborative based on evidence presented.

Lorna Kapunan, a private prosecutor, stated that this followed the statements of National Bureau of Investigation officials Jeremy Lotoc and John Mark Calilung, as well as admissions created by the defense about Duterte’s November 23, 2024 press conference held online.

Based on the prosecution, the defense noted that the press conference took place and used the same recording during the presentation, removing the need for Lopez to verify the footage. Bello’s intended testimony on Lopez’s transfer within the House detention center was also deemed inessential.

The impeachment court anticipated to hear spoken arguments on requests to issue subpoenas for Duterte’s bank records, Anti-Money Laundering Council records, and Bureau of Internal Revenue documents, together with those of her husband, Manases Carpio.

The case continues to focus on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which implicates Duterte of high-level danger and inciting sedition over alleged assertions in October and November 2024. The House prosecution also stated discussions on the article are anticipated to span 11 days.