Former University of St. La Salle law dean Ralph Sarmiento declines to testify as a witness for Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense in her impeachment proceedings. Multiple outlets report that the defense had invited him to appear, but Sarmiento declines, saying he cannot testify “for either side.” He also cites the need to preserve the independence of his constitutional law scholarship and the impartiality of his legal views.
Coverage also describes that questions are raised about the process that led to Sarmiento being sought as a witness. One report says Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro asks whether Duterte’s lawyers failed to consult Sarmiento before seeking a subpoena to present him in the trial.
Outlets largely agree on the core facts: Sarmiento’s refusal, the defense’s role in inviting him, and his stated reasons for declining. Differences are mostly in emphasis—some lead with the refusal itself, others highlight the defense’s response, and at least one focuses on whether there was proper coordination before any subpoena was sought.
