Next witness to testify on Sara business interests, government deals

MANILA, Philippines - The House prosecution panel is preparing witnesses to testify on Vice President Sara Duterte's declared business interests, possible government contracts and registered firearms for this week's impeachment hearings.

Counsel for the prosecution Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said at a Saturday News Forum that the presentations will depend on the progress of the hearings, with oral arguments on the two-thirds conviction threshold scheduled on Wednesday.

Tolosa said the Civil Service Commission witness would explain statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) filing guidelines, while the Securities and Exchange Commission representative would address companies in which Duterte declared financial interests.

Meanwhile, a witness from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System and a representative of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Regional Office XI's bids and awards committee will be asked about government dealings involving the Vice President's companies.