Sara Duterte Impeachment: NBI Testimony on Article IV

In a recent ANC 24/7 report, the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte reached critical testimony on Article IV this week. National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag delivered the final statements for the grave threats and inciting to sedition charges on Tuesday. The proceedings at the Philippine Senate now move toward closure of evidence presentation on Wednesday.

The Testimony

NBI Director Melvin Matibag appeared as the third and final witness for Article IV before the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday. He followed NBI Agent John Mark Calilung and NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc in presenting evidence gathered from October and November 2024 statements. Matibag confirmed that the NBI maintains an active list of persons of interest connected to the vice president's alleged kill threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The NBI investigation concluded that Vice President Duterte possessed intent, motive, and capability to act on the threats issued during a November 2024 Zoom press conference. Matibag detailed how the agency traced communications and public remarks made from Davao City. These findings formed the core of the prosecution's case on grave threats.

The Pattern of Violence

Matibag described a documented pattern of violence involving Vice President Duterte and members of her family directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The testimony referenced specific incidents tracked by NBI agents across multiple regions including Metro Manila and the Davao Region. Senate prosecutors used these details to link the October 2024 and November 2024 pronouncements to broader incitement claims.

The Senate impeachment court has already issued subpoenas for the vice president's bank records, Anti-Money Laundering Council reports, and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax filings. These records aim to establish financial trails connected to the alleged threats. Prosecutors from the House of Representatives stated that the accumulated evidence leaves little room for alternative interpretations.

Defense Cross-Examination

Defense lawyers cross-examined Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday afternoon, focusing on claims of personal bias and potential conflict of interest tied to his appointment under the current administration. Matibag maintained that all NBI findings rested on documented evidence rather than political direction. The exchange lasted more than two hours inside the Senate session hall in Pasay City.

House prosecutor Representative Joel Chua of Manila maintained after the session that the case for Article IV remains airtight despite the defense challenges. The prosecution originally scheduled eleven days for this article but reduced the timeline to eight days by streamlining witness lists. This adjustment allowed the Senate impeachment court to advance the schedule without losing key testimony.

Day 9 Developments

On Wednesday the House prosecution team plans to formally close its presentation of evidence for Article IV. Senate President Francis Escudero, serving as presiding officer, will then rule on pending motions before the court shifts focus to the next article. Vice President Sara Duterte remains outside the country on an overseas trip and has not appeared in person during these sessions.

The Senate impeachment court continues to review the subpoenaed financial documents from the AMLC and tax authorities. These records cover transactions linked to the period surrounding the 2024 public statements. Prosecutors expect the documents to reinforce the NBI findings on capability and motive.

Philippine Political Context

The trial unfolds against the backdrop of the long-standing political rift between the Marcos and Duterte families that has reshaped alliances in Congress and local governments. Article IV charges stem directly from the vice president's October and November 2024 remarks, including the Zoom press conference where she stated she had hired an assassin. These events have intensified debates inside the Senate and among political parties across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has remained a central figure in the testimony due to his inclusion in the alleged threats. The Senate proceedings reflect ongoing power struggles that began after the 2022 elections and continue to influence legislative priorities in the 20th Congress.

Impact on Filipinos

Families in Davao City and surrounding provinces watch the trial closely because the vice president's statements originated from public events held in their communities. Residents report heightened tension in local politics as supporters and critics of both the Marcos and Duterte camps organize separate gatherings. The outcome of Article IV will shape how future threats by high officials are investigated by the NBI.

Ordinary citizens across the country face uncertainty over governance stability while the Senate impeachment court deliberates. Public school teachers in Manila and farmers in the Visayas have expressed concern that prolonged political conflict diverts attention from budget allocations for education and agriculture programs. The trial's focus on financial records also raises questions about transparency in public office that affect taxpayer trust nationwide.

What to Watch For

Observers will monitor whether the Senate impeachment court admits the full set of bank and AMLC records into evidence on Wednesday. Any ruling on the defense's bias claims against Director Matibag could influence the weight given to NBI testimony in later articles. The prosecution's formal closure of Article IV will set the stage for the next phase of the trial.

Further developments may include additional subpoenas or motions from the defense team as the vice president continues her overseas trip. Senate sessions remain open to the public and media inside the Pasay City complex, allowing continued scrutiny of each witness account.