Zamora: We expect a lot of objections once Duterte's aide testifies

MANILA, Philippines — House prosecutor Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora on Monday said that the prosecution panel is expecting a lot of objections from the defense team once Vice President Sara Duterte’s chief of staff Zuleika Lopez testifies in the impeachment trial against Duterte.

“We expect a lot of objections regarding the presentation of Atty. Lopez. Of course, last week with [NBI] agent [John Mark] Calilung, they tried hard to block us from presenting him, we expect the same with Atty. Lopez,” Zamora told the Inquirer in an interview.

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This remark came as the Senate impeachment court on Thursday issued a subpoena to Lopez upon the request by the prosecution panel.

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Lopez will be presented to testify as the court examines impeachment Article IV, which pertains to Duterte’s alleged assassination threats against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

READ: Sara Duterte impeachment trial: OVP aide subpoenaed

Prior to the online press briefing on Nov. 23, 2024, where Duterte made such threats, Lopez was cited for contempt by the House committee on good government and public accountability for allegedly interfering with the panel’s investigation into the alleged misuse of confidential funds within Duterte’s offices.

As Duterte was infuriated over Lopez’s detention and subsequent attempts to transfer her, Duterte badmouthed the Marcos couple and Romualdez.

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Duterte was then asked if she is concerned about her security to which replied by urging people not to worry since she had contracted an assassin to kill the three if she herself gets killed.

For its part, defense team spokesperson Michael Poa said they are prepared to cross-examine Lopez when put to the witness stand, as they are with other witnesses presented by the prosecution. /mr

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