By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The House prosecution panel has appealed to the Senate Impeachment Court to allow the full presentation of its evidence during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that the proceedings are not only about determining guilt but also about ensuring transparency and public accountability.
Manila Representative Joel Chua, a member of the prosecution panel, said Sunday that prosecutors seek sufficient opportunity to lay out the documentary and testimonial evidence supporting the Articles of Impeachment once the trial resumes on July 6.
“What we are asking from the impeachment court is simply the chance to properly present our evidence,” Chua said in an interview over dzBB. “This impeachment trial is significant because what is at stake is accountability. The truth must prevail.”
The impeachment proceedings come as Duterte, widely regarded as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential election, faces allegations involving the alleged misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and other acts cited in the impeachment complaint.
According to Chua, prosecutors have spent months preparing their case and are confident in the strength of the evidence gathered. He noted, however, that the panel may exercise discretion in presenting witnesses and impeachment articles if the evidence already submitted is deemed sufficient to establish its case.
“We have long been preparing, and to the best of our ability, we will present our evidence,” Chua said.
He explained that the prosecution may streamline the proceedings by waiving certain witnesses or omitting some impeachment articles if doing so would not weaken the case.
“If, during our initial presentation, we determine that the evidence is already overwhelming, we may only call one or two additional witnesses before resting our case,” Chua said. “That possibility exists.”
The prosecution is expected to begin by presenting evidence regarding Duterte’s alleged public threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family before proceeding to accusations involving confidential funds, alleged bribery, and claims of unexplained wealth.
Among the evidence expected to be introduced are reports from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), financial records, Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), video recordings, and documentary evidence related to government procurement transactions.
The prosecution panel has maintained that its objective is not merely to secure a conviction but to provide the Filipino people with a complete and transparent account of the allegations brought against the Vice President.
The Senate is scheduled to convene as an impeachment court on July 6 for the formal commencement of trial proceedings.
ia/xf
