Metro Manila, Philippines – House lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro denied claims that prosecutors had secured enough votes to convict impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, as the reason for dropping the bribery charge and shortening the presentation of evidence.
In an interview on NewsWatch Plus’ The Newsmaker, Luistro said insofar as prosecutors are concerned, their responsibility is to present evidence and leave the verdict to the senator-judges.
“We totally deny that because, as a matter of fact, we’re not privy at all. Hindi po tayo kasama diyan sa usapin ng boto,” Luistro said when asked about claims linking the withdrawal of the bribery article to a secured verdict.
She said it’s up to the court to decide on the fate of Duterte.
The majority just added a member in Senator Mark Villar, bringing the count to 14 senators. The court approved a ruling that only senator-judges legally and factually capable of participating in the final vote will be counted, and this would be the basis to determine the two-thirds required to convict.
Twenty senator-judges are attending the trial, and two-thirds of that is 14. Four members have been absent – Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta who are detained on separate plunder charges, Korean Legarda who is on medical leave abroad, and Bato dela Rosa who is in hiding over an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.
The Supreme Court has upheld the authority of the impeachment court to craft its own rules.
Senator-judge Juan Miguel Zubiri has said that belonging to the majority does not automatically mean supporting a conviction.
There has also been speculation about Legarda potentially returning to the majority bloc. Legarda, but she has not issued a statement about it.
The House prosecution recently announced that it would no longer present evidence under Article III, or allegations of bribery, as it moves to rest its case.
Luistro said the decision was intended partly to avoid prolonging proceedings.
“We understand the impatience that is being felt by our beloved countrymen now,” she said.
She also cited the Senate’s legislative responsibilities, particularly the upcoming budget deliberations, as another consideration in shortening the presentation.
Despite withdrawing the bribery article, Luistro maintained that prosecutors remain confident in the evidence presented.
“As a matter of fact, I wish to express our confidence with respect to the evidence presented in support of Article 4, grave threat; Article 1, confidential fund; and the ongoing presentation of evidence for Article 2, unexplained wealth,” she said.
The prosecution has presented witnesses and financial records concerning alleged misuse of confidential funds, threats against public officials and unexplained wealth involving Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio.
