The House prosecution panel will unveil more substantial evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte in the coming days, following an initial week dedicated to laying the groundwork of the case, according to Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum on July 11, Diokno noted that the prosecution purposefully devoted its early presentations to establishing a firm legal base.
He likened their courtroom strategy to a construction project, emphasizing that a robust framework must precede the main structure.
“Ang trabaho ng prosecution ay parang magtatayo kami ng bahay. Hindi naman tayo pwedeng magtayo ng bahay kung walang pundasyon,” Diokno said.
To build this groundwork, the prosecution first summoned National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Senior Agent John Mark Calilung to verify video clips tied to the grave threats charge against Duterte.
The Vice President is accused of making death threats targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Diokno clarified that the initial week’s proofs were meant to pave the way for upcoming testimonies and documentary exhibits.
“‘Yung nangyari nitong unang linggo ng ating paglilitis ay mismo ‘yung paglalagay ng pundasyon sa kaso. Itong mga darating na linggo, ang makikita natin, ‘yung bahay na mismo ang itatayo,” he said.
Beyond securing a conviction from the senator-judges, Diokno emphasized that the panel aims to clarify the constitutional gravity of the case to the Filipino people.
“Ang purpose syempre noon ay makita ng lahat, hindi lang naman yung mga senator-judge, kundi pati ang nanonood na publiko, kung ano ba talaga ang basehan, kung bakit ba may ganitong articles of impeachment, at bakit umaabot siya doon sa paglabag sa ating Konstitusyon o pagtataksil sa tiwala na binigay ng mamamayan sa ating mga leader,” he explained.
The Vice President is facing trial over the alleged mismanagement of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, hidden wealth, false SALN declarations, and death threats against the First Family.
The Senate trial is set to resume on Monday, July 13.