The House prosecution panel is prioritizing a strong, methodical presentation of evidence in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, rather than counting the political votes required for a conviction.
Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno, a key member of the prosecution team, explained during a radio interview that their primary goal is to ensure both the senator-judges and the Filipino public clearly comprehend the gravity of the allegations.
Dismissing concerns over securing the necessary votes, Diokno stated:
“Sa amin naman sa prosecution, basta’t ang aming tinututukan ngayon siyempre ay ilatag nang maayos ang mga ebidensya.”
“Wala naman sa kaisipan namin kung ilan bang boto. Basta ang purpose lang namin ay maging convincing at persuasive ang aming pagpresenta ng ebidensya,” he added.
The prosecution team has repeatedly expressed confidence in their readiness to validate the four Articles of Impeachment lodged against the Vice President. The formal complaints center on the alleged misappropriation of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Speculation regarding the voting math intensified following the absence of Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Estrada is currently detained over a plunder case involving an anomalous ₱573-million flood control project, while dela Rosa is reportedly in hiding due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Senate impeachment court held its pre-trial conference on June 18 and is set to resume preliminary proceedings today, June 22. The formal trial is scheduled to begin on July 6.