The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continued on Tuesday with both camps trading sharp arguments over the weight of evidence, the admissibility of video recordings, and the limits of free speech, as the Senate convened for its fifth day of proceedings.

The prosecution presented NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lontoc as its second witness, who testified that the Vice President’s public statements—where she allegedly threatened to have the President, the First Lady, and the former Speaker killed—were made seriously and deliberately. The defense, however, countered that the remarks were merely conditional or rhetorical and therefore should not be interpreted as criminal threats.

Prof. Edmund Tayao, Political Analyst and President/CEO of Political Economic Elemental Researchers and Strategists (Peers) Consultancy, said in an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE’s special coverage that the defense’s attempt to discredit the testimony based on a typographical error in documentary evidence was misplaced.

“Typographical error does not necessarily render testimony or object evidence insignificant,” Tayao said. “There are several videos showing the Vice President uttering the same statements on several occasions—not just once. That weighs heavily.”

He also noted that freedom of expression does not cover statements with criminal intent, and that public officials are held to a higher standard of accountability.

The defense is expected to present its own witnesses in the coming weeks, including individuals linked to the so-called “Operation Romanov”—an alleged plot against the Vice President that she claims prompted her remarks. Tayao expressed interest in the defense’s narrative, noting that such allegations were never raised during initial investigations.

“If there was indeed a threat against her, why was this not investigated earlier? Why was this not raised when the NBI asked?” Tayam said.

Meanwhile, questions were raised over the conduct of some senator-judges who briefly left the session hall during the prosecution’s testimony. While not prohibited, Tayaw said such actions could affect public perception of the Senate’s seriousness in handling the case.

Presiding Officer Sen. Chiz Escudero has been largely commended for his objective handling of the trial so far, according to Tayao, who noted that Escudero has been able to weigh in on motions and manifestations from both sides fairly.

On the political front, Tayao dismissed claims that Vice President Duterte remains overwhelmingly popular, pointing out that her approval rating has dropped from over 80 percent in 2023 to around 40 percenttoday. He also questioned the assumption that her 32-million vote base in 2022 guarantees a strong performance in the 2028 elections, citing historical precedents such as former President Joseph Estrada, who placed third in his comeback bid.

“The public pulse can change in an instant,” Tayao said. “This trial is exposing evidence that the public is now seeing for the first time.”

If convicted, the Vice President faces removal from office and disqualification from holding any future public position. However, legal experts note that she may preempt conviction by resigning—which would end the trial but also allow her to avoid the disqualification penalty.

The trial is expected to run for up to 31 weeks, with both sides preparing to present additional witnesses and evidence.

Daily Tribune will continue to provide live coverage of the impeachment proceedings across its digital platforms.