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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Trillanes, Madriaga among witnesses listed in pre-trial brief

VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Trillanes, Madriaga among witnesses listed in pre-trial brief

Defense names former senator, whistleblower, NBI officials, Cabinet members, among others, as potential witnesses

Published Jun 17, 2026 04:34 am

At A Glance

  • Trillanes, Madriaga, and several government officials are included in the defense witness list.
  • The defense plans to present extensive documentary evidence and witness testimony.
  • Multiple government agencies may be called upon to support Duterte's defense strategy during the Senate impeachment trial.
  • The witness list suggests a broad effort to challenge allegations contained in the Articles of Impeachment.
Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team has listed former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, whistleblower Ramil Madriaga, and several current and former government officials as potential witnesses in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial, according to its pre-trial brief filed before the Senate impeachment court.
The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte (left) has named Antonio Trillanes IV (right), Ramil Madriaga (middle), and several current and former government officials as potential witnesses in her upcoming Senate impeachment trial. (Photos: Inday Sara Duterte Facebook/ House of Representatives / Manila Bulletin file)
The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte (left) has named Antonio Trillanes IV (right), Ramil Madriaga (middle), and several current and former government officials as potential witnesses in her upcoming Senate impeachment trial. (Photos: Inday Sara Duterte Facebook/ House of Representatives / Manila Bulletin file)
The witness list includes dozens of individuals whom the defense may call to challenge allegations in the Articles of Impeachment and support the vice president's case.
The impeachment proceedings are expected to be among the most closely watched political and legal events in the country, with the defense signaling an extensive strategy centered on witness testimony and documentary evidence.
Witnesses in impeachment case
Based on a copy of the pre-trial brief sent to reporters, the respondent intends to present these witnesses "to disprove the allegations in the Articles of Impeachment, prove that the allegations are mere conclusions of law and fact, identify documents, and establish other matters related to the foregoing."
Aside from Madriaga and Trillanes, the specifically named witnesses — or representatives of their respective offices — listed in the pre-trial brief include former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Mendoza, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, and Commission on Audit–Intelligence and Confidential Fund Audit Office lawyer Gloria Camora.
The defense also identified several current and former NBI officials and personnel as potential witnesses.
Testimony from multiple government agencies
Beyond the named witnesses, Duterte's legal team reserved the right to present representatives, officials, and employees from numerous government institutions.
These include the Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the President, Office of the Ombudsman, NBI, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Davao City Government, and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
The pre-trial brief also lists forensic accountants and journalists as potential witnesses.
Documentary evidence expected to play a major role
In addition to witness testimony, the defense plans to present extensive documentary evidence in the impeachment case.
Records identified in the brief include government documents, audit reports, certifications, financial records, affidavits, investigation reports, correspondence, and other official materials.
Many of the proposed witnesses are expected to authenticate these documents and explain their contents before the Senate impeachment court.
What the witness list reveals about the defense strategy
The breadth of the witness list suggests that Duterte's legal team intends to mount a wide-ranging defense addressing allegations involving confidential funds, financial disclosures, procurement-related issues, alleged unexplained wealth, and other matters cited in the Articles of Impeachment.
By drawing witnesses from government agencies, regulatory bodies, law enforcement institutions, and the private sector, the defense appears poised to challenge both the factual and legal foundations of the charges.
With dozens of potential witnesses and a substantial volume of documentary evidence identified in the pre-trial brief, the Senate impeachment trial is expected to feature extensive examination of official records, government procedures, and competing interpretations of evidence.
The testimony ultimately presented during the proceedings may prove critical in determining whether the charges against Duterte are sustained or dismissed by the Senate impeachment court. 
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/16/vp-sara-challenges-impeachment-charges-ahead-of-senate-trial

Related Tags

VP Sara Duterte Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Duterte Impeachment Case Antonio Trillanes IV Ramil Madriaga Senate Impeachment Trial Philippine Politics Articles of Impeachment Senate Impeachment Court
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