(DC file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte warned against possible delaying tactics by the defense as it prepares to present its evidence before the Senate impeachment court beginning November 9.
House prosecution adviser and trial spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers said the prosecution would oppose attempts to prolong the proceedings through the presentation of witnesses whose testimonies have no direct bearing on the remaining impeachment allegations.
Barbers emphasized that witnesses presented by Duterte’s defense team should provide testimony relevant to the allegations of unexplained wealth and possible violations involving her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).
He said the defense must focus on addressing the allegations and evidence presented during the prosecution’s case rather than introducing matters unrelated to the issues being heard by the impeachment court.
The prosecution maintains that the Vice President must account for alleged discrepancies involving her declared assets, income and financial transactions, which form part of the remaining impeachment charge.
Barbers stressed that while Duterte is entitled to due process and the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, those rights should not be used to unnecessarily extend the trial.
The defense is expected to begin presenting its witnesses and documentary evidence on November 9, marking the next phase of the impeachment proceedings.
The prosecution’s warning comes as the Senate impeachment court prepares to examine the defense’s explanations concerning the financial records and asset declarations raised during earlier hearings.
Duterte has the right to contest the allegations, cross-examine witnesses and present evidence in her defense. The allegations remain subject to the Senate impeachment court’s evaluation and final judgment.
Barbers said the prosecution would closely scrutinize the relevance of the defense’s witnesses and testimonies to ensure that the proceedings remain focused on the unresolved allegations.
