Sara Duterte’s spox: Prosecution in impeach trial failed to prove its case

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp on Saturday accused the impeachment prosecution panel of relying on speculation and misleading public statements.

The allegation comes as the defense prepares to present its case when the Senate impeachment trial resumes on Monday, Nov. 9.

In a statement, lawyer Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., the vice president’s spokesperson, said the prosecution had already failed to establish its case.

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He believes that Duterte will now have the opportunity to defend herself against the remaining impeachment charge.

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“The prosecution had its chance. It failed. On Monday, the vice president begins her defense,” the counsel said.

READ: Kapunan: VP Duterte will be worst witness in her impeachment trial

Panelos’ statement followed counsel for the prosecution Lorna Kapunan’s remarks that Duterte, who is on a Senate impeachment trial, will be the worst witness of her own case.

This is supposedly because the vice president will be the “best evidence against herself.”

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Kapunan made the comment after she was asked if she is expecting the defense team to put Duterte on the witness stand.

“We apparently live in two worlds,” Panelo said in reaction.

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“One where due process and fairness still reign—where an accused is not condemned before she is heard, and where allegations must be proven with clear and convincing evidence presented in court,” he remarked.

The defense panel is set to present its evidence to dispute Article II of the Articles of Impeachment, or Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth and failure to declare it in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

The House prosecution on Oct. 13 dropped three of the four impeachment articles, pertaining to alleged confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and grave threats.

The trial took a break on the same day and will resume on Monday.

READ: Sara Duterte won’t attend impeachment trial despite being at Senate

“One world seeks the truth. The other desperately tries to persuade an increasingly skeptical public with asinine sound bites built on half-truths and malicious speculation, spewed out in daily, obtrusive and nauseating press briefings and interviews,” Panelo further commented.

After the withdrawal of the three articles, Duterte’s legal team will have to present its evidence only for Article II on alleged unexplained wealth.

If found convicted by the Senate Impeachment Court, the vice president faces removal from her post.

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The tribunal can also choose to permanently bar her from holding any future public office. /apl