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.
Marcos questions Tang’s role as witness
Senator-judge Imee Marcos questioned the presentation of retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang as a witness, after the prosecution said she would provide a legal framework for the court and the public.
House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno explained that Tang would not testify on facts or documents but would help explain the legal framework for the succeeding financial and documentary evidence.
Marcos said, “We appreciate your desire to educate the public but it’s certainly not for the benefit of the judges.”
Diokno stresses importance of public understanding
House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno said true transparency goes beyond livestreaming the impeachment trial and includes ensuring that the public understands the issues being discussed.
He said the public should understand concepts such as financial interest, conflict of interest, and direct or indirect involvement in businesses. Diokno emphasized that these concepts are important in understanding the case and the evidence to be presented.
Sotto stresses need for legal clarity
Senator-judge Vicente “Tito” Sotto III stressed the importance of clarifying legal matters in the impeachment case, noting that not all senator-judges are legal experts.
He said the impeachment court and the public should understand how an official’s money or assets are assessed under the law.
Sotto added, “Hindi naman kaming lahat kasing dunong ninyo, kung saan-saan lang kami graduate eh.”
Diokno stresses clarity of law in impeachment trial
House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno emphasized the importance of having clear laws as the basis for the impeachment trial, particularly on the issue of unexplained wealth.
He said the impeachment court must clearly understand what the law prohibits in order to properly assess the allegations. Diokno stressed, “Justice cannot be done if the law is obscure.”
Diokno begins questioning Tang on unexplained wealth
House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno began questioning retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang about her qualifications and experience in cases involving corruption and unexplained wealth.
Tang explained the distinctions between hidden, unexplained, and ill-gotten wealth during her testimony.
She also discussed the use of Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) and other financial records in determining unexplained wealth.
Tang says properties under others’ names may be considered
Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said properties registered under other people’s names, including those of an official’s spouse and children, may be considered in determining unexplained wealth.
She cited Section 8 of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as basis for considering such properties.
Tang said the provision aims to prevent public officials from concealing assets to evade investigation.
Tang explains importance of SALN in determining unexplained wealth
Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang explained that the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) is important in determining whether an official accumulated wealth while in office.
She said SALN records can help establish how an official acquired their money or properties. Tang emphasized that the document is a key reference in assessing allegations of unexplained wealth.
Tang explains stricter business restrictions for top officials
Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang explained that stricter restrictions on business activities apply to the President and Vice President due to the greater potential for abuse of office.
She said the country’s two highest officials have greater power and authority, increasing the possibility of abuse. Tang emphasized, “There is a greater possibility of abuse in their office.”
Impeachment trial goes on recess
Impeachment trial was temporarily suspended on Monday, September 14, for a lunch break. The proceedings will resume at 1:00 p.m.
Tang outlines requisites for unexplained wealth presumption
Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said three requisites must be met before the prima facie presumption can be applied in unexplained wealth cases.
She said the respondent must be a public officer, have acquired properties while in office, and have assets grossly disproportionate to their salary, lawful income, or other legitimately acquired property.
Tang made the explanation in response to a question from Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros.
Vinluan questions Tang’s political affiliation
Defense counsel Atty. Mark Vinluan questioned retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang about her political affiliation during cross-examination.
Asked whether she was “anti-Duterte,” Tang replied, “No, I’m not,” and said she had always been apolitical.
The questioning followed a discussion of her applications for a Supreme Court post during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Tang says her 'testimony is not for sale'
Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said she was not promised anything in exchange for testifying in the impeachment trial.
Responding to defense counsel Atty. Mark Vinluan, Tang said she would never testify if offered anything material or otherwise.
She emphasized, “My testimony is not for sale, Sir.”
Escudero says Tang has no personal knowledge of allegations
Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero pointed out that retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang has no personal knowledge of the specific allegations against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Tang testified that she had no personal knowledge of the alleged unexplained wealth, undeclared properties and liabilities, or possible money laundering linked to Duterte.
Escudero then told defense counsel Mark Vinluan, “We get the point, she has no personal knowledge about anything about this case.”
Tang explains ‘ratio decidendi’ in Supreme Court decisions
Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said not everything written in a Supreme Court decision forms part of its “ratio decidendi,” or the primary legal basis for the ruling.
She explained the distinction between ratio decidendi and obiter dictum, which refers to statements that are not essential to the court’s decision.
The discussion was raised in connection with portions of the Supreme Court’s Duterte v. House of Representatives ruling cited during the impeachment proceedings.
Gatchalian asks about declaring spouse’s assets in SALN
Senate President Win Gatchalian asked retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang whether a public official must declare their spouse’s properties in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
Tang said yes, but clarified that the requirement does not apply when the couple has a prenuptial agreement providing for complete separation of property.
She added that the declaration may include the spouse’s properties, cash, businesses, and other assets.
Day 24 Impeachment trial adjourned
The impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte was formally adjourned on Monday, September 14.
The proceedings will resume on Tuesday, September 15, at 10 a.m.
