The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday focused on allegations that Vice President Sara Duterte misused P612.5 million in confidential funds, marking the 10th day of proceedings that began on July 6.
The trial, which opened July 6 with the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, shifted after a two-day break to Article I of the charges. House prosecutors are set to present evidence on the confidential fund transactions.
Two former Land Bank branch managers are expected to testify about multimillion-peso withdrawals made by Duterte’s special disbursing officers. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the prosecution will proceed with Article I after the defense rejected an alternate presentation of evidence by article.
Proceedings for the first three weeks were held Mondays through Wednesdays. Starting July 28 the schedule moved to Tuesdays through Thursdays. The court reconvened in Manila on July 29 for the 10th trial day.