• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negrense lawyer Ralph Sarmiento, former dean of the University of St. La Salle (USLS) College of Law, has declined to testify for the defense of Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, citing the need to preserve the independence of his legal scholarship and constitutional law views.
In a statement issued Thursday, Sarmiento said he appreciated the defense panel’s recognition of his constitutional and legal opinions, which he had previously expressed on social media.
However, he said he decided not to participate as a witness to maintain the independence of his constitutional law scholarship and ensure the impartiality of his legal opinions.
“I had not anticipated that these views might potentially become part of the impeachment proceedings,” Sarmiento said.
He said he had already informed Duterte’s defense team of his decision and requested the withdrawal of any subpoena seeking his appearance or, if one had already been issued, its recall by the impeachment court.
The defense panel earlier identified Sarmiento as its first witness when the impeachment trial resumes on Nov. 9.
In an earlier manifestation, the defense team said Sarmiento would testify on legal and constitutional principles relevant to the case, particularly those related to Article II of the Articles of Impeachment.
Article II accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust over allegations involving unexplained wealth, discrepancies in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), and failure to divest from business interests while serving as vice president.
The defense cited Sarmiento’s credentials as a professor of Political and Constitutional Law to support his qualification as an expert witness.
Defense spokesperson Michael Poa said the panel respects Sarmiento’s decision and appreciates his initial consideration of the invitation.
“We wish him well in his continued contributions to constitutional discourse,” Poa said.
The defense team is expected to name additional witnesses in subsequent filings ahead of this month’s impeachment proceedings.
Sarmiento said he remains committed to helping the public better understand the Constitution through independent and balanced legal analysis. | GPB
