De Lima: VP Sara’s Defense Has No Bearing Unless Made Under Oath — Impeachment Body of Evidence ‘Satisfies’ Court

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Leila De Lima declared on Sunday that Vice President Sara Duterte’s public defense against impeachment allegations holds no legal weight unless the Vice President speaks under oath, as the House of Representatives’impeachment proceedings have already revealed a “body of evidence” that satisfied the court.

Speaking to reporters on May 18, De Lima stressed that “Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense against allegations has no bearing on the impeachment case unless she is placed under oath,” according to a report by GMA News. The statement comes days after the House impeachment committee formally transmitted its articles to the Senate.

De Lima, a lawyer and former Justice Secretary , noted that “[a]ppears to the satisfaction of the Court after examining under oath the witnesses of applicant Office of the Ombudsman” per a separate ABS-CBN report. She emphasized that the body of evidence presented already “satisfies” the standard required for probable cause.

The impeachment complaint against Duterte, filed by House Deputy Majority Leader and 1-Rider Party-list Representative Bonifacio “Boni” Luistro , accuses the Vice President of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution. Luistro earlier said the impeachment proceedings against VP Sara “revealed body of evidence” sufficient for conviction.

De Lima specifically pointed to the sworn testimony of witnesses presented before the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. She argued that without an oath , any public statement by Duterte is merely a “political statement” with no evidentiary value.

“Under the Rules of Court , unsworn statements are inadmissible as evidence,” De Lima said in a mix of English and Filipino. “If VP Sara wants her defense to be considered by the Senate impeachment court , she must submit herself to cross-examination under oath.” The former senator cited jurisprudence on the right to due process in impeachment cases.

The Vice President has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, calling the impeachment a “political vendetta” by forces loyal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Duterte has not yet formally responded to the impeachment articles, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.

De Lima’s remarks carry special weight given her own experience. The former senator was acquitted in 2023 of all drug charges after spending over six years in detention — a case she has described as “political persecution” during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte , Sara’s father.

For more on the impeachment process and its implications, seePhilippine Politics.

The House Justice Committee found “probable cause” in the complaint in April 2025 , voting 18-7 to transmit the articles to the Senate. The impeachment trial is expected to begin by June 2025 , with the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.

De Lima also addressed Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s earlier statement that the impeachment is “divisive and unnecessary.” She countered that “no one is above the law, not even a Vice President.”

“If the evidence is weak, it will be dismissed,” De Lima reasoned. “But if it’s strong — and it appears strong — then it’s the duty of the Senate to act.”

The Ombudsman has also submitted additional documents to the House Justice Committee , including bank records and audited financial statements of the Office of the Vice President for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. These records are now part of the body of evidence transmitted to the Senate.

Lawyer Nixon dela Cruz , a professor of constitutional law at the University of the Philippines , told reporters that “De Lima is correct on the evidentiary point. Under the Revised Rules on Evidence , unsworn statements, even from a high-ranking official, are not evidence.”

Dela Cruz added that the Senate may issue a subpoena duces tecum to compel Duterte to testify under oath — or risk being cited for contempt of the impeachment court.

For further understanding of the legal aspects, readPhilippine Politics.

The House impeachment committee conducted nine hearings from March to May 2025 , hearing testimony from 24 witnesses , including former Department of Budget and Management officials , COA auditors , and whistleblowers. The body of evidence includes certified public documents , financial statements , and sworn affidavits.

De Lima emphasized that the impeachment trial is not a “political circus” but a constitutional process. She urged the public to “let the evidence speak for itself.”

“The truth will come out under oath,” De Lima concluded. “That is the only way justice can be served.”

For updates on this developing story, followPhilippine Politics.

This development is significant for Filipino readers because it underscores the importance of legal process in high-stakes impeachment cases. The Senate trial of a sitting Vice President is a historic event in Philippine democracy, and the outcome will shape government accountability and rule of law for years to come.