Duterte Impeachment Trial Takes Dramatic Turn as Defense Waives Cross-Examination Amid 'Unusual' Financial Claims

Manila, Philippines – July 29, 2026 – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered its tenth day on Wednesday with a stunning procedural move: the defense team waived its right to cross-examine a key prosecution witness, even as that witness detailed what she described as "unusual" financial transactions allegedly linked to the Vice President.

The development, reported by multiple news outlets including Philstar.com and Inquirer.net, has injected new uncertainty into a trial already fraught with political tension. The witness, a financial analyst from the Commission on Audit (COA), testified about discrepancies in the disbursement of confidential funds during Duterte’s tenure as Education Secretary.

The 'Unusual' Transactions

According to testimony presented in the Senate impeachment court, the COA analyst flagged several transactions that deviated from standard government protocols. Among the key points raised:

• Lump-sum disbursements: Large amounts of confidential funds were released in a single tranche, rather than in staggered payments as is customary.
• Missing documentation: Receipts and liquidation reports for certain expenditures were either incomplete or entirely absent.
• Unverified recipients: Some funds were reportedly channeled to individuals or entities that could not be clearly identified or linked to legitimate education programs.

The witness stated that while confidential funds by nature involve some secrecy, the pattern observed in this case was "highly irregular" and warranted further scrutiny.

Defense's Surprising Move

In a move that caught many legal observers off guard, the defense team—led by prominent lawyer and Duterte ally—formally waived its opportunity to cross-examine the COA witness. This decision effectively means that the prosecution's testimony about the financial irregularities will stand unchallenged in the record.

Legal analysts are divided on the strategy. Some suggest it may indicate confidence that the overall case is weak, while others speculate it could be an attempt to expedite proceedings or avoid drawing further attention to damaging details.

"Waiving cross-examination is a high-risk gamble," said constitutional law professor Dr. Maria Reyes in an interview. "It either signals that the defense believes the witness's testimony is irrelevant or that they have a broader strategy in mind. But it also leaves the prosecution's narrative largely uncontested."

Background and Context

The impeachment trial stems from allegations that Vice President Duterte misused public funds and violated the Constitution during her tenure as Education Secretary from 2022 to 2025. The charges include:

• Misappropriation of confidential funds intended for intelligence and security operations.
• Failure to account for billions of pesos in discretionary spending.
• Alleged conflicts of interest involving family members and political allies.

Duterte has consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the impeachment as a politically motivated attack by her rivals in Congress. Her supporters argue that the trial is a distraction from pressing national issues, including economic recovery and security challenges.

Analysis: Implications for the Trial

The defense's decision to waive cross-examination could have significant consequences. Without a rebuttal of the COA's findings, the prosecution may have an easier path to establishing a prima facie case. However, the defense may still challenge the admissibility of the evidence or argue that the transactions, while unusual, were not illegal.

Political analyst Carlos Mercado noted that the trial is as much about public perception as legal arguments. "The Duterte camp is walking a tightrope. They need to maintain the Vice President's political viability while also mounting a credible legal defense. This move could be an attempt to shorten the trial and minimize media coverage of damaging testimony."

What's Next?

The trial is expected to continue with additional prosecution witnesses in the coming days. The defense has not yet indicated whether it will present its own evidence or call witnesses. Observers anticipate that the proceedings could stretch into August, with a final verdict potentially arriving before the end of the year.

For now, the ball remains in the prosecution's court. Whether the defense's gamble pays off or backfires will depend on the strength of the remaining evidence—and the political calculations of the senators who will ultimately decide Vice President Duterte's fate.