Defense challenges corporate document evidence in Vice President Duterte impeachment trial

On the 27th day of the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the defense raised objections to corporate documents from JTC Group of Companies and Pikimong Pikimong Philippines being presented as evidence. Defense attorney Justin Nicol Gular argued that a prior court decision had excluded those companies from subpoena requests, making the records irrelevant to the charges of unexplained wealth and prohibited business activity.

Prosecutor Erwin Matib maintained that the witness, SEC official Gerardo del Rosario, could still demonstrate a connection between Duterte and the firms. The presiding officer, Francis "Chiz" Escudero, ruled that the documents did not need the witness's testimony to establish a link and ordered only the title to be changed to avoid misleading the public. The defense also disputed the presentation of audited financial statements that appeared to attribute corporate figures to the vice president.

Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano agreed the labeling could prejudice the trial, emphasizing the need for fairness. Additionally, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte was subpoenaed to testify about related corporate dealings.