MANILA – The prosecution raised concerns over the defense panel’s display of supposedly confidential Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) documents during Day 36 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
The issue emerged as defense counsel Atty. Kristine Ferrer questioned BIR Office of the Commissioner Chief of Staff Atty. Anne Loraine Garcia-Marquez about Letters of Authority (LOAs) presented on screen during the proceedings.
Prosecution counsel Atty. Erwin Matib pointed out the apparent contradiction between the defense’s position on the confidentiality of the documents and its decision to display them publicly.
“May we put on record that it was the defense who put on the screens these LOAs which according to them are supposed to be confidential,” Matib said.
Ferrer immediately responded, asserting that presenting the documents was part of her client’s rights.
“Your Honor, counter-manifestation. That is our client’s right also,” Ferrer said.
Matib maintained that the defense’s action was ironic given its position on the confidential nature of the documents.
“It’s just ironic for us that they are flashing this,” he added.
The exchange highlighted disagreements between the prosecution and defense over the presentation and confidentiality of tax-related documents during the impeachment proceedings.
The questioning formed part of the defense’s cross-examination of Garcia-Marquez as the Senate impeachment court continued examining evidence related to the charges against Duterte.
Courtesy: Senate impeachment court
