By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team has declared the impeachment prosecution unsuccessful, accusing it of relying on speculation, half-truths and public statements rather than evidence.
Lawyer Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., Duterte’s spokesperson, issued the statement Saturday as the defense prepares to present its evidence when the Senate impeachment trial resumes on Monday, November 9.
“The prosecution had its chance. It failed. On Monday, the vice president begins her defense,” Panelo said.
He also criticized prosecution lawyer Lorna Kapunan for suggesting that Duterte would be her own worst witness if called to testify, arguing that an accused must be given due process and cannot be condemned before presenting her defense.
The defense will focus on Article II of the impeachment complaint, involving allegations of unexplained wealth and failure to properly declare assets in Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
The House prosecution withdrew three of the four impeachment articles on October 13, leaving Article II as the remaining charge.
If convicted by the Senate Impeachment Court, Duterte faces removal from office and possible permanent disqualification from holding public office.
ia/xf
