Why Ralph Sarmiento refused to testify at Sara Duterte’s trial
Law dean Ralph Sarmiento has declined an invitation to serve as the first witness in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. He stated that his decision is intended to maintain the independence of his constitutional scholarship and the impartiality of his legal views.
Why it matters
The refusal complicates the defense's strategy in a high-profile impeachment case involving allegations of unexplained wealth.
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RALPH SARMIENTO. The defense counsel of Vice President Sara Duterte had wanted law dean Ralph Sarmiento as their first witness but he declined.
MANILA, Philippines – The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte will have to find another first witness for her impeachment trial which resumes on Monday, November 9.
In a video message on Thursday, November 5, former law school dean Ralph Sarmiento said he had declined the defense team’s request for him to testify, saying he wanted to preserve the independence of his constitutional law scholarship and the impartiality of his legal views.
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