World
Highlights from Sara Duterte's Impeachment Trial on August 17
Key developments included the testimony of Gina Acosta as a hostile witness and language issues raised by Senator Tulfo.
.jpg){kind=link}
On August 17, during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Gina Acosta, the former special disbursing officer of the Office of the Vice President, was the first witness declared hostile. On the sixteenth day of the proceedings, House private prosecutor Amando Virgil Acosta was permitted to ask leading questions as part of her testimony.
Senator Tulfo raised concerns regarding Acosta's choice to switch to Bisaya during her testimony, citing her prior statements made in English during a House inquiry in 2024. This language shift was highlighted as a point of contention regarding the credibility of her testimony.
In addition, it was noted that four bags of cash were referenced during the session, underscoring the focus on financial matters related to the impeachment case against Duterte. The day incorporated crucial moments that may impact the trial's trajectory.