Defense lists initial witnesses in Sara Duterte impeachment trial

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The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte has listed at least 24 initial witnesses it intends to present upon the resumption of the impeachment trial next week.

In a statement, Senate impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol said the court received two formal manifestations with requests for subpoena duces tecum and ad testificandum filed by the defense on November 4, in compliance with the five-day notice directive, covering the hearings from November 9 to 13.

Twenty-five individuals were listed as intended witnesses of the defense next week—first of whom is law professor Dean Ralph Sarmiento, who has declined to testify as a witness.

Based on Tongol's statement, Sarmiento was supposed to testify on legal and constitutional principles relevant to the impeachment case and on Article II, which pertains to allegations on unexplained wealth of the vice president.

Aside from Sarmiento, here is the schedule of the other intended witnesses of the defense next week:

• Atty. Suzette Balucanag-Punay — Corporate Counsel, Gencorp Industries, Inc. and Metro City Chow Foods Corporation

She is set to testify on relevant corporate and business matters linked to the vice president and produce certified true copies and/or original copies of the General Information Sheets, Audited Financial Statements, and all other related corporate records from 2022 to 2025.

• Engr. Jaime Adalin — City Assessor, Davao City

He is set to testify on matters in relation to the tax declarations and tax maps pertaining to the Matina Crossing Property discussed during the prosecution's presentation, and bring certified true copies of the tax declarations of a property with Transfer Certificate Title 146-2024010775, tax mapping records of Davao City, and other related documents.

• Engr. John Kenneth Enumerables — City Assessor, Island Garden City of Samal

He is set to testify on matters in relation to the tax declarations and tax maps pertaining
to the Island Garden City of Samal Property discussed during the prosecution's presentation, and present relevant documents.

• Vingelin Bajan — City Accountant, Davao City

Meanwhile, the following are set to testify on matters relating to the vice president's remuneration while she was holding office in Davao City, and to produce certified true copies and/or original copies of the payroll records, vouchers and other documents showing release and/or payment of salaries:

• Cindy Colina — Punong Barangay, Matina Crossing, Davao City
• Olivia Barcarse — First Vice President, Branch Banking Group, BDO Unibank, Inc.
• Atty. Alvin Go — Legal Service Group Head, BDO Unibank, Inc.
• Atty. Paul Roderick Ysmael — Senior Vice President, Bank of the Philippine Islands
• Atty. Cesar Bernard Coloma — Vice President, Head of Litigation, Bank of the Philippine Islands
• Atty. Marino Buban, Jr. — First Vice President and Head of Legal Service Division, EastWest Bank
• Joselito Vallada — Senior Vice President, Legal Services Group, Landbank of the Philippines
• Atty. Janella Marie Panlilio — Head of Legal and Remedial Services Group, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company
• Atty. Jose Manuel Jr. — Head of Legal Services Division, Philippine Savings Bank
• Rodel Mediavillo — Branch Review and Control Unit Head, Philippine Savings Bank
• May Ann Candaroma-Morales — Loan Securities Department Head, Philippine Savings Bank
• Atty. Joseph Anthony Lopez — Head of Legal and First Vice President, Security Bank
• Atty. Joselito Banaag — Corporate Secretary and General Counsel, UnionBank
• Louiemel Panes - Branch Ambassador, UnionBank Davao
• Rogelio Villos, Jr. — Senior Branch Ambassador, UnionBank Davao
• Jayah Deneserie Scalf — Branch Ambassador, UnionBank Mandaluyong
• Gemma Lynn Del Mundo — Senior Branch Ambassador, UnionBank Mandaluyong
• Atty. Anel Martin Antero
• Chadrin Parian
• Vimar Barcellano — City Prosecutor, Quezon City

The impeachment court said the identities of the remaining witnesses for the November 19, 20, and 23 hearings will be disclosed soon in accordance with the five-day notice requirement.

Presiding officer Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero will review and act upon the subpoena requests in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and the court's standards on relevancy and admissibility. — VDV, GMA News