The second perjury complaint submitted by Vice President Sara Duterte against former House witness Ramil Madriaga will have no bearing on the ongoing impeachment trial, according to defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa.
Speaking at a press conference on August 17, Poa stated that the defense team will maintain its planned strategy in the event the prosecution decides to call Madriaga to the witness stand.
“Itong mga perjury complaints hindi naman siya nakakapekto sa impeachment,” Poa said.
On Monday, Duterte lodged a fresh perjury charge under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code against Madriaga at the Office of the City Prosecutor of Taguig.
Poa clarified that the latest filing stems from the supplemental affidavit executed by Madriaga following his appearance before the House Committee on Justice.
“As I understand it, the perjury complaint is just the second complaint kasi may nauna nang perjury laban sa ating Bise Presidente, and the second perjury complaint is in relation to the supplemental affidavit,” he explained.
He also emphasized that the complaint remains in the initial stages and is still undergoing evaluation by prosecutors rather than a full preliminary investigation.
“Sa atin naman, nakahain pa lang sa fiscal for evaluation, so for evaluation pa yan, for preliminary investigation pa yan,” he explained.
Poa reaffirmed that the defense stands fully prepared regardless of whether the prosecution presents Madriaga during the proceedings.
“Kung i-prepresent man sila, siyempre meron na kaming plinano diyan pagdating sa cross-examination,” he added.
The defense issued the statement while the Senate impeachment court moves forward with the trial against Duterte, with the legal team preparing to cross-examine prosecution witnesses as the trial enters its evidentiary phase.