‘Friends of Duterte and Carpio?’: Who are the defense’s 5th and 6th witnesses

MANILA — As the defense continued presenting its witnesses on Thursday, two travel companions of Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband, Manases Carpio, took the witness stand to explain the circumstances surrounding credit card transactions questioned by the prosecution.

First to testify was Anel Martin Antero.

Defense counsel Lindon Bacquel said Antero’s testimony was intended to clarify the P205,007.29 credit card charge incurred by Carpio in Japan.

Antero, who joined Carpio on a vacation in Tokyo, Japan, explained that the charge covered a meal shared by their group of 11 at a restaurant. He said Carpio’s share of the expenses was later reimbursed by the other members of the group.

However, Antero failed to present a photograph of the group dinner or any document to substantiate the alleged reimbursement.

Antero also confirmed that he is a “long-time friend” of Duterte and Carpio. He said he met Carpio in law school in 1998 and considers him like a brother.

Despite their close relationship, Antero maintained that he took an oath both as a witness and as a lawyer and would not lie for either Carpio or Duterte.

The next witness was Chadrin Parian, Carpio’s co-parent and manager of the basketball team Elite Philippines.

Defense counsel Justin Gular said Parian was presented to explain the circumstances surrounding Carpio’s P256,882.50 credit card charge at the Nike Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Parian testified that he accompanied Carpio to Malaysia and explained that the charge was incurred when they visited a sports apparel store to purchase shoes for the children following their victory.

Parian also said he would not lie for Carpio nor Duterte.