House prosecutors all set for Duterte’s impeachment trial – spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution team in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial is all set for Monday’s proceedings, its spokesman Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said on Sunday.

He added that the team is raring to go after months of preparation to present its case.

In a statement, Adiong said that the 11-man prosecution team, composed of lawmakers and its roster of private lawyers supporting them, is fully prepared to present the evidence against Duterte.

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“We are 100 percent ready,” he said. “Our prosecutors, our legal team, and everyone supporting the prosecution have worked tirelessly to prepare for this constitutional duty.”

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“We are ready to present our case before the Senate Impeachment Court,” he repeated.

Duterte’s trial, set to open on Monday, will set the stage for a protracted debate over allegations that have long dogged her, ranging from corruption and constitutional violations.

READ: Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Everything you need to know

Duterte faces accusations of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds, ordering the assassination of President Marcos and his family, and encouraging education department officials to skirt procurement rules through bribes.

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She also faces claims of amassing unexplained wealth, fueled by alleged inconsistencies between her net worth statements showing she had tens of millions of pesos, and an Anti-Money Laundering Council report indicating billions had coursed through her accounts in the past two decades.

“We have long awaited this day,” Alonto Adiong said in Filipino. “At last, the process will begin, where arguments will be presented before the court and, in due time, the evidence will be laid before the Impeachment Court.”

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Evidence cited in those claims include a video recording of her alleged assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and cash envelopes allegedly from her as she reportedly urged procurement officials to sidestep purchasing rules.

Adiong also said the prosecution team does not intend to compete in the trial through soundbites, emphasizing, instead, its plan to present evidence and rely on its strengths.

“Our aim is not to trade soundbites or engage in political sparring,” he noted. “Our aim is simple — to present the evidence, follow due process, and allow the Impeachment Court to decide based on the law and on the facts.” /apl

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