VP Sara defense team moves to block Tang testimony, cites improper legal conclusions

The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte has asked the Senate impeachment court to bar former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang from testifying, arguing her testimony would improperly make legal conclusions reserved strictly for senator-judges.

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan argued that Tang’s proposed testimony goes beyond merely explaining legal principles and would effectively force her to render conclusions of law.

Vinluan also objected to presenting Tang as a surprise witness, noting the defense was not provided with materials regarding her testimony in advance.

“This will violate [the Vice President’s] right to be completely informed of the true nature and cause of accusations against her,” Vinluan said, before moving to exclude Tang as a witness for the impeachment article.

The defense attorney further questioned Tang's standing, noting she was not appearing as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) and that the tribunal had not authorized her testimony based on her area of specialization.

“Justice Tang’s presentation is likewise improper. She is not testifying as an amicus curiae... With all due respect to her, the court never intervened or approved her testimony on her expertise or field of specialization,” Vinluan explained. “By asking for her interpretations on legal principles, she is poised to make conclusions of law that only this honorable impeachment court is allowed to make.”

House prosecutor and Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno defended the prosecution's decision, emphasizing that Tang’s background in public accountability laws would help clarify complex legal concepts for the tribunal.

Diokno argued that Tang’s testimony is necessary to explain the rationale behind relevant laws and how legal accountability is established.

“The law does not state why a law is crafted a particular way. Paano mapapanagot kung hindi nila alam [ang dahilan]? (How can we hold someone accountable if they do not know the rationale behind the law?)” Diokno said.

-Paraluman News