The House prosecution panel is in the final stages of preparation for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, expressing full confidence in its readiness once proceedings officially commence, according to Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on June 6, Ridon shared that the team is currently consolidating its evidence, documentation, and witness lineup ahead of the pre-trial conference scheduled for June 15.
The formal trial is set to begin on July 6, following the timeline established by the Senate impeachment court.
“So naghahanda po kami towards pre-trial, lahat po ng mga ebidensya ay pinipinal, lahat po ng mga dokumento ay pinipinal, lahat po ng mga witnesses ay mapipinal po para pagka nagkaroon po ng pre-trial conference kasama po ng Senate impeachment court at ng kabilang panig ay handang-handa na po ang prosecution panel,” Ridon said.
He emphasized that the panel’s ongoing efforts are structured tightly around the Senate’s official schedule.
“Sa bahagi po ng House prosecution panel ay tuloy-tuloy po ‘yung aming paghahanda at ‘yun pong definite timelines na ibinigay po ng Senate impeachment court, ‘yun pong pre-trial proceedings sa gitna po ng Hunyo at ‘yun pong start ng trial ng July 6 ay pinaghahandaan po namin,” he stated.
To ensure a seamless presentation, Ridon disclosed that prosecutors and volunteer private lawyers have been conducting mock trials for each article of impeachment to refine their arguments and witness testimonies.
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte stems from accusations involving the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, questionable Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) declarations, unexplained wealth, and alleged death threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Ridon also revealed that the prosecution panel opted not to file a formal reply to the Vice President’s official response, describing her submission as a “non-answer” that failed to address the core allegations. Instead, the team will submit a manifestation.
“Minarapat din po ng House prosecution panel na hindi po mag-submit ng formal reply doon sa answer, non-answer ng ating pong Pangalawang Pangulo,” Ridon explained.
The prosecution plans to present a mix of documentary, financial, and testimonial evidence, including Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports and findings from various government investigations.
Despite recent political shifts within the Senate leadership, Ridon maintained that the panel remains confident it can secure the 16 senatorial votes required for a conviction, insisting their case relies on the strength of their evidence rather than political alliances.
“Our confidence on convicting the Vice President is not based on the numbers of the Senate or the leadership of the Senate. Our confidence on convicting the Vice President is based on the evidence itself,” he concluded.