Metro Manila, Philippines- From questions about possible “Kakampink” ties to whether she had been offered anything for her testimony, Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense sought to test the impartiality of former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang as she took the stand in the impeachment trial Monday, Sept. 14.
The defense devoted part of its cross-examination to Tang’s political affiliations, her possible connections with members of the prosecution, and the circumstances surrounding her appearance as a witness.
The cross-examination came after the retired justice testified for the prosecution on the legal standards governing unexplained wealth, statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), and the assets of public officials and their spouses.
Tang rejected suggestions that she had political ties, saying she had never been involved in politics.
Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan asked whether she was affiliated with the “pink” movement, Tang replied: “No, I’ve never been political in my life. I’ve always been apolitical.”
She also said she did not personally know Duterte and denied being friends with prosecution member and Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno, saying they had previously been adversaries in cases before the Court of Appeals.
The defense later questioned why the prosecution’s request for Tang’s subpoena listed her as under the care of the Akbayan party-list office and Diokno at the House of Representatives.
Tang denied any connection with Akbayan and said she did not hold office at the Batasang Pambansa complex.
‘My testimony is not for sale’
The questioning – in the line of challenging the ex-justice’s credibility after the prosecution established her track record in government service – later turned to whether Tang had received or expected anything in exchange for taking the witness stand.
“Were you promised anything in return in exchange for your testimony today?” Vinluan asked.
“No, sir,” Tang replied.
“I will never testify if I was offered anything, material or otherwise. My testimony is not for sale, sir,” she added.
The defense then asked Tang whether she was seeking an ambassadorial position.
“No, sir. I am retired and I want to enjoy my retirement,” she said.
Tang acknowledged that Diokno had spoken to her before her testimony about laws involving SALN and related matters, but said he did not give her the questions that would be asked on the witness stand.
The defense also established that Tang had no personal knowledge of Duterte and Carpio’s income, liabilities, passive income and investments, or whether Duterte’s declared wealth was disproportionate to her actual wealth.
Tang maintained that her participation was limited to assisting the Impeachment Court with her expertise.
“I am here because I was subpoenaed by the impeachment court, and if my testimony could be of value or aid in the just resolution of this case, I will be happy with that,” she said.
