Metro Manila, Philippines – The prosecution panel said it is anticipating “more objections” on the second week of the impeachment trial on July 13 to 15, where Zuleika Lopez, Office of the Vice President chief of staff, is expected to take the witness stand on the article concerning grave threats to the president.
House prosecutor Bel Zamora made this remark in a press briefing on Thursday, July 9, a day after the Impeachment Court wrapped up the first week of trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Of course, we’re expecting more objections next week…Mangyayari po talaga mago-object ang kabila dahil syempre ayaw nilang tumuloy ang testimonya ng kahit sinong witness ng prosekusyon,” she said.
[Translation: The other side will naturally object, because of course they don’t want the testimony of any prosecution witness to proceed.]
Prosecution and defense lawyers exchanged objections during the examination of National Bureau of Investigation senior agent John Mark Calilung, in particular on matters concerning the authenticity of the video evidence and the presentation of the video clip where Duterte made her ‘kill’ remark against the presidential family, among others.
Zamora said prosecutors are all “capable” to directly examine Lopez.
The court formally issued a subpoena to Duterte’s staff on Thursday, July 9, directing her to appear on July 13 and 14.
Lopez visited the Senate on Thursday morning, but Senate Secretary Renato Bantug said this was purely administrative and that the impeachment case was not discussed.
Michael Poa, defense spokesperson, had said Duterte’s lawyers are prepared to cross-examine Lopez if necessary.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, July 8, Poa told the media that Duterte has been informed on the prosecution’s motion to subpoena Lopez, saying she did not have much of a reaction.
Meanwhile, Jay Tolosa, private prosecutor and legal spokesperson, said the public should expect more evidence from the prosecution next week.
“Meron ho kaming matibay na ebidensya na ilalabas sa susunod na linggo,” he said.
[Translation: We will release solid evidence next week.]
