The Senate impeachment court is set to begin discussions on Article II of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Article II centers on allegations of unexplained wealth, false Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), and continued business interests involving the Vice President.
The prosecution is expected to present former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang as an expert witness. She is set to discuss public accountability and explain how judges determine whether a government official has unexplained or improperly accumulated wealth.
Impeachment trial begins
The 24th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial began.
17 senators serving as senator-judges attended the proceedings.
Senator JV Ejercito led the opening prayer before the session formally started.
Defense objects to prosecution’s Article II manifestation
Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan objected to prosecution lead Gerville Luistro’s opening manifestation on Article II.
Luistro clarified that Article II covers three areas, including unexplained wealth, as the prosecution begins presenting its evidence.
Vinluan said the defense is already aware of the contents of Article II and is ready for the presentation of evidence.
Retired justice takes oath as witness in Article II
Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang took her oath as a witness before the Senate impeachment court.
She is set to testify for the prosecution in connection with Article II of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. The article focuses on allegations of unexplained wealth.
Defense objects to ‘surprise witness’ presentation
Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan objected to the prosecution’s presentation of retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang as a witness.
Vinluan said Tang was not listed in the pre-trial order and that the defense was not previously informed of her testimony. He described Tang as a “surprise witness,” saying her presentation was improper and violated fair play under the rules.
