By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The House prosecution panel is set to sharpen its impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte this week, shifting its focus toward proving that she is no longer fit to continue serving in the country’s second-highest office.
During a press briefing on Monday, prosecution adviser and former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the next phase of the trial will center on Duterte’s fitness to remain in public office in light of the accusations she faces.
Barbers stressed that the impeachment court must ultimately determine whether the vice president still possesses the qualifications and public trust required to discharge the responsibilities of her position.
Among the allegations cited in the Articles of Impeachment are the supposed misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and statements allegedly threatening the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and a former House Speaker.
The prosecution began presenting its evidence during last week’s opening hearings by calling National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who authenticated a video showing Duterte making controversial remarks that prosecutors claim contained threats against President Marcos.
Although Duterte’s legal team questioned both the witness’s expertise and the authenticity of the recording, prosecution spokesperson Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said the defense effectively acknowledged the video’s authenticity after relying on the same footage during cross-examination.
According to Tolosa, the prosecution considers the first week of the trial a positive start, arguing that the evidence presented has remained intact despite repeated objections from the defense.
As hearings resume, prosecutors are expected to summon Duterte’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, another NBI officer, and a House of Representatives security official to strengthen allegations that the vice president’s actions and public statements posed a serious challenge to constitutional order and democratic institutions.
The Senate impeachment court is expected to hear additional testimonies and documentary evidence in the coming days as both sides continue to argue whether Duterte should remain in office.
Under the 1987 Constitution, impeachment is the legal process for removing high-ranking government officials accused of offenses such as culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
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