World

Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Enters Ninth Week with Key Testimonies

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continues with critical testimonies and procedural updates, including the potential need for extended hours.

2 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Enters Ninth Week with Key Testimonies — Archive photoPhoto: United States Senate · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is currently ongoing, entering its ninth week. On September 1, 2026, the Senate Impeachment Court is set to hear from Armed Forces of the Philippines Col. Manaros Boransing II, who will testify regarding the use of confidential funds by the Department of Education (DepEd). This follows the testimony of a key witness on Day 18 that indicated Duterte was aware of and had approved activities related to the controversy surrounding the funds.

On this Day 20, the focus shifted to military certifications presented during the trial. Col. Boransing II will address claims involving an amount of P112.5 million in confidential funds that the DepEd allegedly managed. Legal representatives from both sides are actively preparing for the presentation of evidence, marking a critical phase in the proceedings.

The prosecution has emphasized the testimony of Michael Poa, who was previously serving as Duterte’s defense counsel and spokesperson. Poa is now a prosecution witness, expected to provide insights about the alleged misuse of funds and his prior experiences related to the case. His dual role has raised discussions about the dynamics of the trial and the implications of his statements as a former defense attorney.

Additionally, Senator Francis Escudero, presiding over the impeachment court, has implemented new measures to ensure the integrity of testimonies by prohibiting communication devices among witnesses during their statements. This step was taken following concerns raised over the potential influence of external communications on witness testimonies.

The legal teams continue to face various challenges as the trial progresses, with the prosecution's strategies evolving as new witnesses are introduced. Key figures such as lawyer Reynaldo Robles are involved in ensuring the prosecution's case is effectively articulated. Meanwhile, defense attorney Lindon Bacquel continues to advocate on behalf of Duterte, navigating the complex legal terrain the trial presents.

As the trial has developed, Robert Ace Barbers, an adviser for the prosecution panel, suggested that extending the trial hours or adding more days may be necessary to expedite the proceedings, especially as public interest appears to be waning at this late stage.

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