MANILA – House prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon said there is no longer a need to summon Vice President Sara Duterte to testify in her impeachment trial, expressing confidence that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to support its case.
According to Ridon, the prosecution panel believes that the testimonies of its witnesses and the documentary evidence presented during the hearings are enough to establish its allegations against the Vice President.
He said the prosecution has already called various witnesses who were given the opportunity to testify before the Senate impeachment court.
Ridon expressed confidence in the evidence gathered and presented throughout the proceedings, indicating that the prosecution is prepared to move toward the next stage of the trial.
Forensic financial analyst Alexander Cabrera was the prosecution’s final witness before the formal offer of evidence.
Cabrera previously testified on his financial analysis of the assets and income declarations of Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, including alleged discrepancies involving their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) and income tax records.
The prosecution is expected to formally offer its evidence for consideration by the Senate impeachment court.
The defense will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and present its own case in accordance with the court’s procedures.
The allegations against Duterte remain subject to the impeachment court’s evaluation, and no finding of liability has been established.
