WATCH: Prosecution opens Article IV as defense objects to statement

MANILA, Philippines — House prosecutor and Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor on Tuesday, July 7, formally introduced Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte before the impeachment court.

The defense panel, on the other hand, objected and moved to strike Defensor’s opening statement from the record, arguing that portions of the remarks were improper.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte, July 7, 2026

Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero denied the defense’s objection and ordered Defensor’s introductory statement on Article IV remain part of the official record. /dp