Defense Team Lists Dozens of Witnesses in Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial

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MANILA, Philippines – More than 90 witnesses are set to testify during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, her camp revealed in a list to the impeachment court. The long list of witnesses includes people associated with the prosecution, such as Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Ramil Madriaga, a self-confessed bagman of Duterte, is also listed as a witness.

The defense team's move came after they released a pre-trial brief that included a general justification for calling the witnesses. This justification is to disprove the allegations in the articles of impeachment, prove the material allegations in the Answer dated May 26, 2026, identify documents, and establish other matters related to the foregoing. The prosecution has expressed curiosity as to whether the personalities listed by the defense team will be treated as hostile witnesses during the full trial proper.

The full list of witnesses was made public, with some names still remaining anonymous. The list includes former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin and former Department of Education undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado. Other notable individuals listed are National Bureau of Investigation chief Melvin Matibag and NBI agent John Mark Calilung.

The notary public who notarized the affidavit dated November 29, 2025, and supplemental affidavit dated April 11, 2026, of Ramil Madriaga is also included in the list. At least seven representatives, officials, and/or employees, whether former or current, from the Commission on Audit's Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office, are among those named.

The defense team has given no indication of which of the listed witnesses will be called to testify first, nor the order in which they will be presented. The impeachment court is scheduled to begin the trial next week.

The defense team's move to list numerous witnesses is seen as an attempt to build a strong case for Duterte's defense. However, the prosecution has raised concerns about the motives behind the defense team's list. 'We need to know the purpose of their inclusion,' said a member of the prosecution team.

The long list of witnesses has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and the public. Some have questioned the motives behind the defense team's move, while others have praised the defense for taking a proactive approach to defending Duterte. The trial is set to begin next week, and the public is eagerly awaiting the outcome.

The defense team's move to list numerous witnesses is seen as an attempt to build a strong case for Duterte's defense. However, the prosecution has raised concerns about the motives behind the defense team's list. The trial is set to begin next week, and the public is eagerly awaiting the outcome. The list of witnesses is set to be made public, with some names still remaining anonymous. The list includes former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin and former Department of Education undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado.

The prosecution has raised concerns about the motives behind the defense team's list. 'We need to know the purpose of their inclusion,' said a member of the prosecution team.

The long list of witnesses has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and the public. Some have questioned the motives behind the defense team's move, while others have praised the defense for taking a proactive approach to defending Duterte. The trial is set to begin next week, and the public is eagerly awaiting the outcome.

This story is still developing.