The defense team in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte said it respects law professor Dean Ralph Sarmiento’s decision to decline its invitation to testify.

In a statement, defense team spokesperson Atty. Poa said the team appreciates Sarmiento’s initial consideration of the invitation and respects his personal decision.

“We wish him well in his continued contributions to constitutional discourse,” Poa said.

Earlier Thursday, Sarmiento announced that he would not participate as a witness in the impeachment proceedings, citing his desire to preserve his independence as a constitutional law scholar and legal analyst.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to decline participation as a witness in the proceedings. This is a personal decision to preserve the independence of my constitutional law scholarship and the impartiality of my legal views and opinions,” Sarmiento said in an online statement.