Duterte impeachment trial: Prosecutors seek leeway to present evidence

MANILA, Philippines – The House prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial hopes the Senate Impeachment Court will give it leeway to present evidence throughout the proceedings so the public can grasp the weight of the allegations against her, Manila Rep. Joel Chua said Sunday.

“What we are asking from the impeachment court is simply to be given the chance to properly lay out our evidence,” he told dzBB radio in Filipino.

“What we must look at here is how important this impeachment trial is for the country, because what is at stake is accountability,” added Chua, a member of the prosecution team. “That is why the truth must prevail.”

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Duterte’s trial is set to begin on July 6.

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Considered a frontrunner for president in 2028, Duterte faces accusations of mishandling hundreds of millions of pesos in secret funds and amassing unexplained wealth.

READ: House prosecutors: Open box of VP’s tax records

She has also been accused of threatening to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family and of pressing education department officials to skirt procurement regulations.

Evidence cited in those claims includes a report from the Philippines’ anti-money laundering watchdog; Duterte’s net worth statements showing discrepancies between her declared wealth and funds that passed through her accounts; a video recording of her threat against Marcos; and envelopes allegedly from her urging procurement officials to sidestep purchasing rules.

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“We have long been preparing, and to the best of our ability, we will do everything [to present the evidence],” Chua said.

The prosecution panel may waive some witnesses from examination and even forego presenting some impeachment articles if it believes it has already introduced enough evidence to secure Duterte’s conviction, according to Chua.

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The prosecution team aims to open its case with Duterte’s alleged threats against Marcos, followed by claims that she misused confidential funds, committed bribery, and accumulated unexplained wealth.

“If, for example, in our initial presentation we see that the case is already very strong, we may just add one or two more witnesses and then conclude,” Chua explained. “That scenario is possible.”

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“For example, if we think the case is sufficient up to Article III, or even just Article II, we can waive the others,” he added. /mcm