MANILA, Philippines – Ralph Sarmiento has withdrawn from participating as a defense witness in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, days after her legal team identified him as its first intended witness. The former University of St. La Salle law dean cited the importance of maintaining his independence as a constitutional law scholar and ensuring the impartiality of his legal views.

In a report published Thursday, November 5, Bombo Radyo said Sarmiento announced his decision to withdraw from the proceedings after careful consideration.

Sarmiento explained that the decision was personal and intended to protect his independence as a constitutional law scholar, as well as the impartiality of his legal views and opinions.

The development came a day after Duterte’s defense team identified him as its first witness for the trial’s resumption on November 9.

Defense Team Previously Requested Subpoena

On November 4, Duterte’s legal team filed a manifestation with a request for a subpoena before the Senate impeachment court, naming Sarmiento as its first witness.

According to the defense’s filing, he was expected to discuss legal and constitutional principles relevant to the impeachment case, particularly Article II, which concerns allegations of unexplained wealth.

The defense also requested that Sarmiento bring his curriculum vitae and other documents relevant to his qualifications and expected testimony.

Sarmiento is a law professor specializing in Political and Constitutional Law at the University of St. La Salle College of Law. He previously served as the university’s vice chancellor for administration.

Sarmiento Cites Academic Independence

In explaining his withdrawal, Sarmiento emphasized the importance of maintaining independence in his constitutional law scholarship and ensuring that his legal opinions remain impartial.

His decision means he will not participate in the proceedings as the defense’s initially designated witness, based on the statement reported by Bombo Radyo.

The development also raises questions about the defense team’s next steps, including whether it will identify another witness to address the legal and constitutional issues it intends to present before the impeachment court.

As of publication, no replacement witness had been identified in the reports reviewed for this article.

Impeachment Trial to Resume November 9

The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to resume proceedings on November 9, when Duterte’s defense team is expected to begin presenting its evidence.

The trial is currently focused on Article II, which involves allegations of unexplained wealth, following the prosecution’s withdrawal of three other impeachment articles.

The allegations against the Vice President remain subject to the impeachment proceedings. The defense is expected to present its side before the senator-judges evaluate the evidence and determine the case’s outcome.

Sarmiento’s withdrawal is a separate development from the defense team’s earlier request to have him testify. His decision not to participate does not, by itself, determine the merits or outcome of the impeachment case.