Defense and prosecutors spar over AMLC confidentiality in Duterte impeachment trial

On the 32nd day of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, the defense sought to defer the testimony of AMLC Executive Director Ronell Buenaventura, arguing that they had not been given adequate time to study the extensive confidential records. Attorney Sheila Sison cited Section 8-A of Republic Act 11521, which requires AMLC employees to safeguard information, and contended that the July court order authorizing the subpoena did not preclude additional confidentiality challenges.

Prosecutor Di Ok countered that the defense had access to all AMLC documents since early September and that the confidentiality provision cannot nullify a constitutional subpoena. He referenced prior Sandiganbayan subpoenas to AMLC officials as precedent. Senator-Judge Francis Escudero, presiding over the impeachment court, said he would allow extra time so both the defense and the senator-judges could review the materials before the witness appears on Monday. The postponement was granted as a matter of courtesy and equity.