Duterte impeachment trial: Law prof declines to testify for defense, cites ‘independence’
Defense counsels listen during Day 39 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City, October 13, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News MANILA — Political and constitutional law professor Ralph Sarmiento has declined to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial after her legal team requested a subpoena compelling him to serve as its first witness.
A former vice chancellor for administration at the University of St. La Salle, Sarmiento said his decision was personal, given the importance of preserving his independence as a constitutional law scholar and maintaining the impartiality of his legal views.
“Hindi ko po inaasahan na ang aking mga pahayag ay may potential na maging bahagi ng impeachment proceedings. However, hindi po ako pwedeng tumestigo as a witness for either side. Mahalaga po sa akin ang aking independence as a constitutional law professor at isang legal analyst,” Sarmiento said in a social media post.
“Gusto ko pong magpatuloy na makapagbigay ng aking opinyon na malaya at patas, whichever side it will favor,” he added.
Sarmiento said he had reached out to the defense team and requested that they withdraw their motion for a subpoena requiring his appearance at the impeachment trial. If a subpoena has been issued, he asked the team to request the impeachment court to recall it.
“I remain committed to contributing to the public understanding of the constitution as I’ve always tried to do, independently and fairly and through balanced and impartial legal analysis,” Sarmiento said.
Defense spokesperson Michael Poa said they respect Sarmiento’s decision and “appreciate his initial consideration of our invitation.”
“We wish him well in his continued contributions to constitutional discourse,” Poa said in a statement.
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Asked how Sarmiento’s refusal would affect the defense’s presentation, Poa noted that the panel had submitted its list of witnesses for the first week to the impeachment court.
“Consistent with our disposition since pre-trial, we will refrain from disclosing the contents of our court submissions and filings,” he said.