No objections this time when prosecution presented 2nd witness

MANILA, Philippines — As opposed to the July 7 trial, no objections were made by the defense team when the prosecution panel presented on Monday, July 13, its second witness, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc.

Lotoc, like the prosecution’s first witness, NBI Agent John Mark Calilung, testified on impeachment Article IV, which accuses Vice President Sara Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution by issuing grave threats and plotting the assassination of President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

READ: Numerous objections natural even if overruled

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Following Calilung, who preserved and authenticated the videos of Duterte revealing the said assassination plot, Lotoc talked about the details of the NBI’s investigation on the alleged threats.

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During the July 7 trial, Counsel for the defense team Carlo Joaquin Narvasa raised his continuing objection when private prosecutor Amando Ligutan was presenting Calilung.

Ligutan was midway through presenting the purposes for calling Calilung to the witness stand when Narvasa said, “I object, is this a speech or an offer?”

To this, Ligutan replied, “Please hold your horses,” and proceeded with the remainder of his offer of testimony.

Following the said offer, Narvasa moved to exclude Calilung for not being attached to the Saballa and Cabrera complaints.

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The defense also argued that Calilung was not included in the Articles of Impeachment transmitted to the Senate impeachment court.

Ligutan rebutted saying Calilung was included in the pretrial order.

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Narvasa’s motion was later denied by the presiding officer and Senator-Judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero, prompting Calilung to be heard on the stand.

After the said ruling, Narvasa then objected to the purposes stated by Ligutan during his offer, saying this was a conclusion of fact and law.

Meanwhile, during Monday, July 13’s trial, defense lawyer Mark Vinluan did not register any objections during Ligutan’s presentation of Lotoc.

Ligutan finished reading his offer without interruption.

Following his offer, Ligutan said, “Ready for comment, Your Honor, please,” to which Vinluan replied, “Ready for cross-[examination], Your Honor.”

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The prosecution team, then, proceeded with the direct examination of its witness. /mr