Chalssea Kate Echegoyen

The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, resumed the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to hear National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag testify on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which covers the alleged grave threats against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
Lead House prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro presented Matibag before the impeachment court to testify on the ongoing investigation of the NBI Special Task Force formed to look into the threat against the President and the statements issued by Vice President Sara Duterte.
Wendell D. Alinea, Senate Social Media Unit

Article (news)

VP Sara Impeachment

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178494215750120260721-vp-sara-impeachment-day8-MT1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="The defense and House prosecution panels cross-examine NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag as he takes the witness stand during the eighth day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The defense and House prosecution panels cross-examine NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag as he takes the witness stand during the eighth day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte&#x27;s defense team is still deciding whether to agree to a proposal that would allow it to present its witnesses on the fourth article of impeachment, which alleges that Duterte made &quot;grave threats&quot; against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives.</p><p>Under the proposal, the defense&#x27;s presentation of their witnesses would come before the impeachment court tackles the next article of impeachment -- a change from the original trial flow agreed upon by all parties.</p><p>Defense spokesperson and counsel Atty. Michael Poa confirmed that the proposal had been discussed but said the defense has yet to decide whether it will agree.</p><p>&quot;May ganoong usapan... may ganong proposal na inihain sa amin,&quot; Poa said in a DZMM interview on Saturday.</p><p>He said the defense was given until next week to submit its position on the proposal.</p><p>&quot;They gave us until this coming week to think about it so sa ngayon, pinag-iisipan,&quot; he said.</p><p>Poa said the defense had prepared based on the original trial format, where the prosecution would first present its witnesses and evidence on all articles, before the court shifts to the defense. </p><p>&quot;May pros and cons, both... But because ‘yon na talaga ang nailatag na magiging order ng trial, ‘yun din ang isa sa kino-consider namin,&quot; he said, adding that logistical concerns such as the availability of witnesses are also being considered.</p><p>He also said the proposal would have to be discussed with the Vice President.</p><p>&quot;It has to be consulted also by the client. But I think by next week, we&#x27;ll have our answer,&quot; he said.</p><p>The defense hopes to submit its comments by Monday as the impeachment court is scheduled to resume hearings on Wednesday for Article 1 of the Articles of Impeachment, which centers on allegations involving the Vice President&#x27;s confidential funds.</p><p>Poa said the defense is ready to present its own evidence on Article 4, although it is still determining whether to call expert witnesses.</p><p>He also said the defense may no longer present witnesses who have already testified for the prosecution if their cross-examinations have already served the defense&#x27;s objectives.</p><p>&quot;Kung sa tingin namin na &#x27;di na kailangan, &#x27;di na kailangan gawin... I think we are one with the idea na huwag na lang i-present kasi sayang din ang oras ng impeachment court,&quot; he said.</p><div><br/></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/22/live-updates-vice-president-sara-duterte-s-impeachment-trial-day-9-1355">LIVE UPDATES: Vice President Sara Duterte&#x27;s Impeachment Trial (Day 9)</a></div><div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/24/senate-ca-resources-take-a-hit-from-sara-duterte-trial-1829">Senate, CA resources take a hit from Sara Duterte trial</a></div><div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/24/matibag-says-he-is-not-a-biased-witness-vs-vp-sara-1301">Matibag says he is not a ‘biased’ witness against Sara Duterte</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO: </strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="960" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hmm8snuH4OQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team is still deciding whether to agree to a proposal that would allow it to present its witnesses on the fourth article of impeachment, which alleges that Duterte made "grave threats" against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives.</p>

Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team is still deciding whether to agree to a proposal that would allow it to present its witnesses on the fourth article of impeachment, which alleges that Duterte made "grave threats" against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives.

Defense weighing proposal to alternate presentation of witnesses, evidence in impeachment trial

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Defense weighing proposal to alternate presentation of witnesses, evidence in impeachment trial

Chalssea Kate Echegoyen,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 25, 2026 09:46 AM PHT

|

Updated July 25, 2026 10:16 AM PHT

Read More:

Vice President Sara Duterte

Impeachment Trial

Witness

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.