Diokno: Case strong even without BIR box

With just days before the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte opens, House prosecutor Chel Diokno said Monday the prosecution panel is fully prepared to pursue her conviction even if the controversial “mystery box” is not opened.

Speaking in a radio interview, Diokno expressed confidence the case against Duterte is strong regardless of how the impeachment court will rule on the pending motion seeking to unseal and formally mark the contents of the box that originated from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and is believed to contain her and her husband’s tax records.

“Yes, we are ready. Of course, we would not file a case unless we were confident that we could prove it,” Diokno said.

‘Mystery box’ not central to case

The so-called “mystery box” has drawn significant attention since impeachment proceedings began in the House of Representatives, but Diokno downplayed its importance, stressing that prosecutors possess other evidence that could establish the same claims.

“If that box is not opened, there are other ways to prove what it contains,” he said.

Diokno declined to discuss details of the pending motion, saying the issue now rests entirely with the impeachment court.

He explained that the pre-trial process is being supervised by the Senate clerk of court, whose role is limited to documenting the positions of both parties before elevating unresolved issues to the impeachment court when it convenes on 6 July.

Diokno said both the prosecution and defense have already submitted their witness lists and documentary evidence, allowing both camps to prepare for trial.

Prosecution team expands

As preparations intensified, the House prosecution panel expanded its legal team, introducing a new batch of private prosecutors.

During a press briefing, House prosecutor Leila de Lima announced the addition of veteran lawyers Theodore Te, Mae Divinagracia, Reynaldo Robles, Arnold Labay, and legal spokesperson Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa to strengthen the prosecution panel.

Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers was also named as one of the prosecution’s spokespersons.

Despite questions surrounding the lawyers’ previous clients, members of the new legal team insisted their prior representations would not affect their role in the impeachment proceedings.

De Lima said a third batch of private prosecutors may still be introduced before the formal start of the trial.

PNP on heightened alert

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has heightened its intelligence monitoring and security preparations to ensure the impeachment trial will proceed peacefully and without disruption.

PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said intelligence and operational units have been directed to conduct regular threat assessments ahead of the highly anticipated Senate proceedings.

“At this time, the PNP has not monitored any specific or credible threat directly related to the impeachment proceedings. Nevertheless, we are maintaining heightened monitoring,” Torre said.

The Senate earlier announced that Duterte’s impeachment trial will be open to the public and aired live, prompting authorities to review contingency plans covering possible public disturbances, misinformation campaigns, and other security concerns.