Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team is gearing up to cross-examine an alleged gunman slated to take the stand for the prosecution, according to defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa.
Speaking in a recent television interview, Poa acknowledged that while the identity of the prosecution’s key witness remains a mystery to the defense, their legal strategy is firmly in place for the upcoming confrontation.
“Inaabangan namin kung sino yung testigo na yun. And definitely, from what we know, no? We will be ready to cross-examine whoever that witness is. Kasi hindi naman natin pa kilala kung sino yun. But definitely handa naman tayo,” Poa stated.
To maintain transparency throughout the high-profile proceedings, Poa noted that both sides have agreed to a procedural rule requiring the prosecution to reveal their witnesses nearly a week in advance.
This timeline is intended to give both the defense and the senator-judges adequate time to review the upcoming testimonies.
“Ang hiningi lang namin sa prosecution, which they agreed to, is disclosure at least five days prior to presentation. Para makapaghanda kami at para makapaghanda rin naman yung mga Senator judges natin,” Poa explained.
Turning to the specific allegations outlined in Article IV of the impeachment complaint, Poa emphasized that the defense aims to vindicate the Vice President by establishing the full narrative behind her controversial public statements, focusing heavily on the security risks she was experiencing.
“Sa amin po, pagdating dito sa itong unang article, which is Article 4, ang maaasahan lang is papapakita namin yung buong konteksto. Mapapakita natin kung ano ba ang sanhi kung bakit nagkaroon ng ganoong statement at ano ba yung talagang nabanggit kahapon na threat against the Vice President herself,” he added.