By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The House prosecution panel is leaning toward waiving a redirect examination of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, saying his testimony in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has remained intact despite hours of cross-examination by the defense.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, impeachment prosecution spokesman Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said prosecutors currently see little need to further question their witness after the defense concluded its cross-examination.
“Based on the questions asked yesterday, we have not seen much reason to conduct a redirect examination,” Tolosa said.
A redirect examination allows the party that presented a witness to clarify testimony after cross-examination, particularly if statements have been challenged, weakened or placed in doubt by opposing counsel.
According to Tolosa, the prosecution believes Matibag’s testimony has not been significantly undermined, making additional questioning unnecessary unless new issues emerge during the proceedings.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Matibag maintained that Vice President Duterte’s public remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. constituted what he described as a “serious, active and continuing” assassination threat that raises national security concerns.
The prosecution is expected to wrap up presentation of evidence for the first of four Articles of Impeachment later Wednesday, centering on allegations that Duterte committed betrayal of public trust and violated the Constitution through statements allegedly threatening the lives of President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Apart from the alleged assassination threat, the Vice President also faces impeachment charges involving the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and bribery of public officials.
The Senate impeachment court is expected to proceed with the remaining phases of the trial as both the prosecution and defense continue presenting evidence on the charges.
ia/xf
