MANILA — Members of the House prosecution panel expressed optimism over a recent survey indicating that a plurality of Filipino voters expects Vice President Sara Duterte to be convicted in her ongoing impeachment trial.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, the lead prosecutor, stated during an October 20 press conference at the House of Representatives that the findings mirror public comprehension of the evidence submitted by the prosecution.
“Sa akin, it shows the appreciation of the Filipino people of the evidence so far presented by the prosecution during that time,” Luistro said.
The PUBLiCUS Asia PAHAYAG survey, carried out from October 1 to 4, revealed that 44 percent of registered voters anticipate a guilty verdict, whereas 31 percent expect an acquittal and 25 percent remain undecided.
Luistro highlighted that the poll was taken before forensic financial analyst Atty. Alexander Cabrera presented his report regarding the supposed unexplained wealth of the Vice President and her husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio.
“It was during the time na hindi pa nag-testify si expert witness Atty. Alex Cabrera,” Luistro noted, referencing the witness whose testimony estimated questionable assets starting at ₱817.87 million.
Furthermore, Luistro mentioned that the poll preceded the prosecution’s October 13 decision to drop three articles of impeachment, streamlining the case to focus solely on Article II, which handles unexplained wealth, Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) discrepancies, and restricted business interests.
Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua underscored the significance of the financial records presented, while reiterating that the ultimate verdict rests with the senator-judges.
“Nasa kamay ng ating mga kagalang-galang na mga senator-judges [ang desisyon],” Chua remarked.
Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon added that the defense team must provide direct answers regarding the financial evidence laid out against the Vice President.
“Kailangan talaga nilang ipaliwanag ang bawat detalye,” Ridon stated.
The Senate impeachment trial is set to reconvene on November 9 to hear testimonies and cross-examine defense witnesses.