NBI chief says Duterte admitted assassin, Senate day 9

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered a critical phase on Wednesday, July 22, as the National Bureau of Investigation director testified that her public admission of contracting an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. constituted a consummated betrayal of public trust. The testimony came on the ninth day of the historic Senate trial, which could result in Duterte's removal from office.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag made the assertion under questioning from the defense, stating that the act of betrayal was complete the moment Duterte publicly acknowledged the alleged plot. He argued that such an admission violated her constitutional oath to execute the laws and do justice to every man. The defense moved to strike Matibag's statement from the record, but Presiding Officer Francis Escudero denied the motion.

This testimony followed a day of proceedings on Tuesday, July 21, which focused on Article IV of the impeachment complaint. That article accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, an alleged assassination plot, grave threats, and inciting to sedition against the president, the first lady, and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin...