Sara Duterte remains the frontrunner in 2028 presidential polls but needs one-third of senators' support to survive impeachment. (EPA Images pic)MANILA: Philippine vice-president Sara Duterte's lawyers on Monday sought to counter allegations she had accumulated unexplained wealth, opening their defence in a high-profile impeachment trial where a conviction would kill off her hopes of becoming president.
The daughter of firebrand former leader Rodrigo Duterte has consistently been the frontrunner in opinion polls to win the presidency in 2028, and her defence must win over one-third of senators in the impeachment court to guarantee her political survival.
The prosecution's case centres on allegations that Duterte amassed wealth beyond what could be explained by her declared income and assets, after it withdrew three other charges that came under the impeachment complaint against her.
