Manila, Sept. 8 -- Filipinos have the right to hear Vice President Sara Z. Duterte personally answer the allegations in her impeachment trial, saying that the prosecution's proposal to present her as a witness serves transparency and accountability.

Lead prosecutor Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro made the assertion Tuesday after the defense raised objections to calling Duterte as a prosecution witness, following an earlier manifestation by prosecution counsel Lorna Kapunan.

"The position of the prosecution about calling the respondent Vice President as witness for the four articles of impeachment at the end of the presentation of all these articles is in line with the mandate of transparency and accountability, Your Honor, w...