Philippines – A court sheriff who was hit four times by Vice President Sara Duterte during a 2011 demolition in Davao City has been tapped as a witness against her in the upcoming impeachment trial. House prosecutors believe his testimony will help show a pattern of violent behavior that backs up far more serious accusations now facing the second-highest official in the land.
According to a news report, the prosecution panel shared copies of its pretrial brief with reporters on Thursday. The 57-page document lists eight witnesses lined up to support charges that Duterte made grave threats against the president.
Why the 2011 Sheriff Is Back in the Spotlight
The witness is Abe Andres, the sheriff who was carrying out a court order to clear shanties on a disputed lot in Barangay Soliman, Agdao district, when then-Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte confronted him. She struck him four times in the face and back. Andres was rushed to the hospital after the incident.
Prosecutors say his account matters because it shows Duterte “has the tendency to inflict violence.” That theme runs through the heart of their case.
The Assassination Plot Allegations
The brief ties the violence angle to claims that go much further. Prosecutors allege Duterte plotted to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady, and a former House speaker killed. They point to her expletive-filled livestreamed briefing in November 2024 as evidence.
The panel plans to open its case with this accusation, arguing it gives observers a clearer picture of the alleged misconduct behind the impeachment push.
The Full List of Witnesses
Besides Andres, the prosecution named these witnesses:
- Belinda Bello, Executive Director, House Legislative Security Bureau
- Jeremy Lotoc, NBI agent
- John Mark Calilung, NBI agent
- Melvin Matibag, NBI Director
- A representative from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office
- Mikhail Flores, Reuters reporter
- Bonz Magsambol, former Rappler reporter
Reserve witnesses include a family member of a threat victim and a psychiatrist.
A Fractured Political Alliance
Duterte, 48, faces several charges, including corruption and constitutional violations, even as she eyes the presidency. The case marks a sharp turn from 2022, when Marcos and Duterte ran together and won by a landslide. Their partnership later collapsed over policy clashes, deepening the divide in an already split nation.