Special Coverage
INQUIRER.net / Updated as of: 01:32 PM July 14, 2026
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MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team continues its cross-examination of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) official, lawyer Jeremy Lotoc, the prosecution’s second witness, as the Senate impeachment court resumes the trial proceedings Tuesday, July 14.
On Monday, Lotoc testified that the bureau considered Duterte’s alleged threats “serious” and “real,” and found prima facie evidence to recommend criminal charges.
He also testified that the utterances made by the vice president were not covered by “freedom of speech.”
Sen. Bam Aquino questioned the defense on whether Duterte had ever denied allegedly hiring a hitman.
The defense said it will present witnesses to support its claim regarding the alleged “Operation Romanov.”
The impeachment court scheduled NBI Director Melvin Matibag’s testimony for July 20 to accommodate his official trip to Thailand.
Senator-judges continued deliberations on objections raised by both the prosecution and the defense regarding documentary evidence.
Bookmark this page to stay updated with the latest news and features related to the impeachment of Sara Duterte.
July 14 , 2026 01:31 PM
Atty. Carlo Joaquin T. Narvasa serves as counsel for the respondent in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.During the first week of the trial, Narvasa led the cross-examination of prosecution witness NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung and raised several… pic.twitter.com/LRkfE0i1mR
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 14, 2026
July 14 , 2026 01:14 PM
‘HINDI PA SURE’Atty. Michael Poa said Vice President Sara Duterte remains uncertain whether she will attend the fifth day of her impeachment trial in the Senate on Tuesday, July 14.“Hindi pa sure kung makakapunta siya today kasi mayroon siyang mga scheduled meetings.… pic.twitter.com/0Ijyo2Dvg4
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 14, 2026
July 14 , 2026 01:04 PM
Atty. Sheila C. Sison serves as lead counsel for the respondent in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.Since the opening of the proceedings, Sison has led the defense panel, delivered its opening statement, and argued key motions before the Senate impeachment… pic.twitter.com/xqyHTvcwJD
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 14, 2026
July 14 , 2026 12:48 PM
‘WE’RE READY FOR IT’Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. responds to questions on whether calling Atty. Zuleika Lopez to the witness stand could backfire on the prosecution during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.“Kung anuman ang risk, we’ve anticipated that,” he said.… pic.twitter.com/Z2dM7I0SRM
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 14, 2026
July 14 , 2026 12:43 PM
Atty. Amando Virgil D. Ligutan serves as counsel for the House prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Ligutan conducted the direct examination of witnesses for Article IV (grave threats), including NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung and NBI-BARMM… pic.twitter.com/RhuVPBal2h
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 14, 2026
July 14 , 2026 11:58 AM
‘IYAN NA BA ‘YUNG BEST NIYO? GALINGAN NIYO PA’Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the inconsistencies pointed out in the NBI files did not diminish the alleged grave threats made by Vice President Sara Duterte.“Hindi nagbabago yung fact na mayroong nagbanta, mayroong… pic.twitter.com/MRbTc1HXCR
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 14, 2026
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