Cabotaje-Tang tells Sara Duterte's camp: My testimony is not for sale

Former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said Monday that her testimony before the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte does not have a price tag.

Tang, who testified on the existing anti-corruption laws and not on the impeachment allegations leveled against the Vice President, made the answer when asked by defense lawyer Mark Vinluan if she was promised anything by the prosecution for her testimony.

“No, sir. And I will never testify if I ever was offered anything material or otherwise,” Tang stressed.

“My testimony is not for sale, Sir,” Tang added.

Vinluan then proceeded to ask if Tang is vying for an ambassadorial position at the moment.

The retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice again responded no.

“No, Sir. I am retired and I want to enjoy my retirement,” Tang added.

Tang worked a lawyer in the government for 44 years, from the Supreme Court, Office of the Solicitor General and the Sandiganbayan.

Tang also handled around 1,000 cases ill-gotten wealth cases during her time at the OSG and over 700 cases in the Sandiganbayan until her retirement in November 2024.

Amid such vast experience by Tang in dealing with anti-corruption cases, Vinluan asked the retired justice to confirm if there is no need for a master's degree in law to understand legal principles.

Tang qualified her answer by saying that while a master's degree is not required to comprehend legal principles, an individual should "read laws in their proper application by the Supreme Court to be able to fully and soundly understand or comprehend."

Vinluan also asked Tang if she harbors any ill feelings against the father of the Vice President, former President Rodrigo Duterte, since then President Duterte chose not to appoint her as one of the justices of the Supreme Court despite applying for four times.

Tang, however, said she bears no grudges.

“That’s his prerogative,” Tang said.

Vinluan also asked if she was anti-Duterte, to which the retired judge said, "No."

Vinluan also asked Tang if she is a "kakampink" or one of those who supported the 2022 presidential bid of then opposition standard bearer and Vice President Leni Robredo.

Tang clarified what Kakampink means, but Vinluan just put it as those affiliated with pink without mentioning Robredo’s name.

Pink was the official campaign color of Robredo in 2022.

Tang again answered that she has always been apolitical and she has no plans of changing that.

“I’ve never been political. I have always been apolitical," she said. —RSJ, GMA News