MANILA — The prosecution objected on Tuesday to a news article presented by the defense during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, arguing that its relevance had not been established and that it raised multiple evidentiary issues.
Defense counsel Atty. Mark Vinluan presented the article during proceedings involving allegations raised by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV concerning supposed links between the Chinese government and Duterte and her husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio.
The article cited China’s denial that it had provided money to a political group in the Philippines.
Private prosecutor Atty. Mae Divinagracia objected to the document, questioning its relevance and admissibility.
“The relevance of this document has not yet been shown and it’s objectionable on so many levels – the witness is incompetent to testify on that, it’s hearsay, the truth of the allegation there has not yet been established, and is completely irrelevant, Your Honor,” Divinagracia said.
The exchange came during the 34th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, where Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Atty. Ronel Buenaventura continued facing questions from the defense. Buenaventura had earlier testified regarding financial transactions involving Duterte and Carpio.
The Senate impeachment court has been examining financial records as part of Article II of the impeachment case, which concerns allegations of unexplained wealth against the Vice President.
