House prosecutors 80% ready for impeach trial

The House prosecution panel’s preparations for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte are nearing completion, with just three months to go before the proceedings begin.

House prosecutor Lorenz Defensor said the team is “80-percent ready,” with their focus now on anticipating potential defenses that may be raised by Duterte’s legal team.

“Right now, we are not only preparing the evidence for the prosecution, but we are also anticipating what the other camp might raise to block the evidence,” Defensor told reporters in a virtual presser on Wednesday.

The Iloilo lawmaker said the prosecution panel has been conducting mock trials to help them navigate the complexities of the trial and refine their strategy.

“We are preparing our testimonial and documentary evidence. And we have conducted a run-through of what an impeachment court would feel like, anticipating possible objections from the defense team,” he said.

Aside from the House prosecutors, a group of “experienced” private litigators is expected to appear before the Senate impeachment court to assist the congressmen in presenting the evidence to secure the VP’s conviction.

“They are litigators, practicing lawyers who had experience in previous impeachments,” said Defensor, who did not disclose any names.

The impeached VP is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, attending to her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained in the International Criminal Court awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity related to the bloody drug war during his administration.

Per the Senate timetable, the issuance of a summons — which would require the impeached official to respond to the articles of impeachment within 10 days — is set for 4 June, two days after Congress resumes its session following a four-month election break.

The trial is scheduled to begin on 30 June, after the 20th Congress takes over and 12 new senators are sworn in.

According to Defensor, Vice President Duterte has the discretion to appear in person during the trial. As long as her legal counsel is present, the trial can proceed without her.

Defensor, however, said, “But remember, her appearance would say a lot concerning her accountability, concerning transparency in the trial.”

“The nation wants to know how she spent the confidential and intelligence funds. And a straight answer from her would answer all the questions,” he said.

The House of Representatives impeached VP Duterte on 5 February, outlining seven impeachable offenses against her, including betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption and other high crimes.

Duterte has repeatedly denied the allegations, deeming it a “well-funded” and “coordinated political attack” to derail her future political plans.now how she spent the confidential and intelligence funds. And a straight answer from her would answer all the questions’