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Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has been urged to provide proof that she has divested her business interests since taking office in 2022. Former Representative Robert Ace Barbers, a House impeachment a… · Photo : Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)/Sarah Friend · CC BY · Wikimedia

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Duterte skips his last status conference after waiving his right to appear. He will, howver, have to personally appear every day once his trial starts on November 30.

The Senate impeachment court has confirmed it will conclude the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte by the end of the year, according to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero. The court previously… · Photo : Kej Andrés (Ryomaandres) · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia

Vice President Sara Duterte remains the top choice for the 2028 presidential election in the latest WR Numero Research survey. Her preference rating climbed to 42.4 percent in October, according to th… · Photo : Kej Andrés (Ryomaandres) · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is set to enter its next phase, with key developments expected before the end of November. The process, which has been ongoing, now faces a potenti… · Photo : Kej Andrés (Ryomaandres) · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumed on Monday, August 24, 2026, in the Senate of the Philippines. The session saw the introduction of unusual names, marking a shift in the pro… · Photo : Patrickroque01 · CC BY-SA · Wikimedia

Several witnesses that the prosecution intends to present against former president Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity trial will focus on the killings committed by the so-called Davao deat...

MANILA, Philippines — Here are the top stories for INQToday’s afternoon newscast: The prosecution at the International Criminal Court seeks to use three more recorded testimonies in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The impeachment trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte has seen a significant development as a law professor has declined to testify for the defense, citing the need to maintain professional independence. Christopher Sitson of ABS-CBN News reported that the law professor, whose identity has not been disclosed, made this decision based on ethical considerations regarding their role as an academic. The professor stated that testifying for the defense would compromise their impartiality and independence, which are fundamental to their position as a legal scholar. This decision comes amid ongoing proceedings in the impeachment trial, which has been a focal point of political tension in the Philippines. The trial involves allegations against Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, and has been a subject of intense public and media scrutiny. The defense team had reportedly sought the professor's testimony to bolster their case, but the professor's refusal highlights the challenges faced by legal experts in balancing academic integrity with political pressures. The impeachment process, which is governed by the Philippine Constitution, requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate to convict and remove a president from office. The trial has been marked by procedural complexities and high stakes, with implications for the country's political landscape. The professor's decision to decline testimony underscores the importance of maintaining professional standards in legal and academic circles, even in highly charged political contexts. This development may influence the trajectory of the trial and the broader discourse on the role of experts in political proceedings. The ABS-CBN News report emphasizes that the professor's stance reflects a growing awareness among legal professionals about the need to preserve their independence in the face of political demands. As the trial continues, the absence of this testimony may impact the defense's strategy and the overall dynamics of the proceedings.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors have requested the submission of testimonies from five additional witnesses in the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. This development comes as the trial chamber continues to gather evidence related to allegations of crimes against humanity, particularly concerning the government's 'war on drugs' that has been linked to extrajudicial killings (EJKs). The ICC's investigation focuses on whether Duterte's administration engaged in systematic actions that violated international law. The request for further testimonies aims to strengthen the prosecution's case by providing more detailed accounts of the events and circumstances surrounding the alleged crimes. ABS-CBN News, a leading media outlet in the Philippines, reported on this update, emphasizing the significance of the ICC's ongoing efforts to address serious human rights violations. The case has drawn international attention, with many human rights organizations urging the court to proceed with due diligence. The ICC's Trial Chamber III is overseeing the proceedings, and the addition of these five witnesses could potentially provide crucial evidence that may influence the outcome of the trial. The Philippine government has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the 'war on drugs' was a legitimate effort to combat crime and improve public safety. However, critics argue that the campaign resulted in widespread unlawful killings, with thousands of deaths reported since its inception. The ICC's involvement marks a significant step in holding individuals accountable for actions that may have violated international humanitarian law. As the case progresses, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments to ensure justice is served for the victims and their families.