The House prosecution panel expressed confidence after the first day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the proceedings allowed the team to effectively present its initial evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor said the prosecution was pleased with how the opening day unfolded.
While he stressed that the case remains far from over, he described the first day as a positive start for the prosecution.
“We were very satisfied with the outcome of today’s trial. No victory can be claimed until matapos ang verdict, but today was a very satisfactory day for the prosecution team.”
Defensor said the panel successfully introduced the evidence and key statements it intended to present before the impeachment court.
“Lumabas ang lahat ng ebidensya naming gustong ihain sa Senate impeachment court. At lahat ng statements na gustong ilabas ng impeachment team, nailabas namin.”
The prosecution’s first witness was National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who testified to authenticate a media briefing held on November 23, 2024.
During that briefing, Vice President Duterte allegedly made threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Defensor also commended the legal team for its handling of the hearing, particularly private prosecutor Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan.
“Mabuti rin at mahusay ang mga abogadong humawak nitong trial at itong unang testigo namin. Si Atty. Virgil Ligutan is an excellent trial lawyer. Hats off to Atty. Virgil Ligutan.”
He added that the opening day demonstrated that the impeachment proceedings were carried out in accordance with the prescribed legal process.
“Mahusay ang first day of presentation of evidence dahil una, natuloy na ang trial at nasunod ang proseso sa tamang pamamaraan.”
According to Defensor, the prosecution’s objective is to present its evidence clearly before both the senator-judges and the public while remaining ready for any legal or procedural challenges that may arise during the trial.
“All I can tell you is that we are prepared for this impeachment trial, and we have anticipated every technicality or every scenario possible sa aming paghahanda.”
Defensor also assured that the prosecution would maintain the same level of preparation and professionalism throughout the proceedings.
“Aasahan n’yo mauulit itong ginawa namin ngayon. We will sustain this kind of energy during the trial, and we will continue to be respectful to our senator-judges.”