00:00Former Law School Dean Ralph Sarmiento declines Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team's request for him to testify for her
00:07impeachment trial.
00:08Duterte's trial will resume on Monday, November 9.
00:12This comes a day after the defense identified Sarmiento as its first witness.
00:16Mahalaga po sa akin ang aking independence as a constitutional law professor at isang legal analyst.
00:31The defense team wants the law professor to testify on legal and constitutional principles relevant to the impeachment case, particularly
00:38on Duterte's alleged unexplained wealth.
00:40Sarmiento says he had already communicated with the defense to withdraw its request for a subpoena compelling his appearance or
00:46seek its recall if it had already been issued.
00:49I remain committed to contributing to the public understanding of the Constitution independently and fairly and through balanced and impartial
01:01legal analysis.
01:02Michael Poa, spokesperson for Duterte's defense team, says they respect Sarmiento's decision.
01:07Sarmiento was Law School Dean of the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City until September 30, 2025, and
01:13has since been the university's vice chancellor for administration.
