Sara Duterte camp yet to consider Matibag as witnesses
Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team has not yet decided whether to call NBI Director Melvin Matibag as a witness in her ongoing impeachment trial. The defense team is currently evaluating their strategy and clarified that their previous questioning of Matibag was intended to test the credibility of his testimony rather than signal an intent to call him.
Why it matters
The impeachment trial of a high-ranking official like the Vice President has significant implications for national political stability and the rule of law.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag testifies before the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. (INQUIRER / NI O JESUS ORBETA) MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team on Tuesday said it has yet to consider inviting National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag as one of its own witnesses in their client's impeachment trial.
This stems from Matibag's remark during the defense's cross-examination on the eighth day of the impeachment trial where he was invited as the prosecution panel's third and final witness as the court tackles Article IV of the impeachment complaints against Duterte.
READ: L IVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte | July 21, 2026
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