Sara Duterte impeachment trial Day 9: What to expect

The impeachment court will continue to discuss Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which charges Vice President Sara Duterte with “Assassination Plot, Grave Threats and Inciting to Sedition Against the President."

On Day 9 of the impeachment trial, Duterte’s defense team will continue its cross-examination of NBI Director Melvin Matibag, citing new documents such as the statement of alleged DDS hitman Arturo Lascanas. The court approved their request and granted a continuance.

Matibag is expected to defend the agency’s findings, as he said a threat to Marcos’ life constitutes a threat to national security. He also said Duterte’s remarks are no longer a threat but a “confession.”

The House Prosecution Team, meanwhile, is expected to formally close its presentation of evidence and witnesses for Article IV after Lead Prosecutor Gerville Luistro said Matibag will be the final witness on the article of impeachment detailing the grave threats against Marcos.

Previously, the prosecution panel said that it would no longer present six of its witnesses on Article 4 in the impeachment trial, as Luistro told the impeachment court that the testimony of Matibag would be sufficient in proving Article 4.

Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero had announced an adjusted schedule for the impeachment trial:

No trial on July 27, to give way to the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

No trial on July 28, to allow senators from the minority bloc to prepare for and deliver their so-called “Kontra-SONA.”

On July 29, trial will resume at 10 a.m.

Beginning in August, the impeachment trial will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday to Wednesday. —VAL, GMA News