Legal representatives for Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte officially began their defense this week, aiming to refute serious accusations of unexplained wealth that threaten to derail her future presidential aspirations. As the daughter of former leader Rodrigo Duterte and a top contender for the 2028 election, she faces an impeachment court where a conviction would effectively end her political career. The defense team has labeled the prosecution's claims as "malicious and false," opening their case with testimony from a Davao City tax assessor who provided documentation intended to prove that Duterte’s property holdings were accurately reported in her asset declarations.

The trial, which stems from a deepening political rift between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., follows a prosecution case that alleged the Vice President holds over 800 million pesos in questionable assets, including offshore remittances. While the prosecution has pressured Duterte to testify directly, her legal team remains cautious, leaving it unclear whether she will eventually take the stand. As the defense prepares to call a parade of financial experts and bankers to testify, they are aiming to wrap up the proceedings by the end of the year, hoping to clear her name amidst broader ongoing legal battles that include separate criminal charges of grave threats.