Supreme Court Allows Former Sandiganbayan Justice to Testify in Vice President Duterte’s Impeachment Trial

In a Monday morning ruling, the Philippine Supreme Court sided with the prosecution and permitted retired Sandiganbayan presiding justice Amparo Cabotaje‑Tang to appear on the witness stand in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case. The defense, led by lawyer Mark Vinluan, argued that Cabotaje‑Tang was a surprise witness not listed in the prosecution’s pre‑trial brief and that she had no direct link to the case, citing concerns over due process. The court noted that the prosecution’s brief included reserve witnesses and that Cabotaje‑Tang’s testimony would be a non‑binding legal opinion subject to cross‑examination. During her brief appearance, the former justice discussed the need for the president and vice president to divest from business interests, clarified how cash should be reported in a Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, and referenced the Anti‑Money Laundering Council’s report of billions of pesos moving through the Vice President’s accounts. The ruling allows the defense to present its own witnesses and to challenge Cabotaje‑Tang’s statements in the ongoing proceedings.