Metro Manila, Philippines — The House prosecution panel is seeking guidance from the Senate Impeachment Court on when to formally offer its exhibits on the unexplained wealth allegations against Vice President Sara Duterte, as the court has yet to close Article I pending a court decision on whether to call its own witnesses.
Lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro said Saturday, Oct. 10, the prosecution wants to clarify whether both sides may present rebuttal evidence if the court summons more witnesses for Article I, of the charge of misuse of confidential funds.
In September, Presiding Officer Francis Escudero directed both sides not to formally rest on Article I while the court considered whether to call its own witnesses.
Luistro said the possibility of rebuttal evidence would affect when the prosecution should file its formal offer of exhibits for Article II, of the charge of alleged unexplained wealth.
“We believe that formal offer should be done after determination of whether or not there’s need to present rebuttal evidence,” Luistro said.
If rebuttal evidence is not allowed, Luistro said the prosecution will just ask for a reasonable period to file its offer.
Once the prosecution files its offer of evidence, the defense will be given time to comment before the court rules on whether to admit the exhibits. The defense will then present its evidence.
“Si Atty. Alex Cabrera ay ‘di lang last witness for unexplained wealth, siya na rin ang last witness presented by the prosecution,” Luistro said, after the prosecution withdrew the bribery charge under Article III.
[Translation: Atty. Alex Cabreba was not the last witness only for unexplained wealth, he was also the last witness presented by the prosecution.]
The trial resumes Monday, Oct. 12, with the defense set to cross-examine prosecution expert witness Alexander Cabrera, to be followed by questioning from the senator-judges.
