Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon declared that the House prosecution team is advocating for a swift conclusion to the impeachment trial, asserting that the Senate court must steer clear of needless delays and political grandstanding during a critical national proceeding.
Ridon, a member of the prosecution panel, made these remarks following a statement from Malacañang, which called on all involved parties to guarantee a trial free from distractions, cover-ups, or efforts to deflect from the charges listed in the Articles of Impeachment.
“Sa totoo lang, hangga’t maaari naman po ay matapos na po ito,” Ridon stressed.
“The sooner that you’re able to end and for the senator-judges to be able to decide on the case, mas maigi para sa prosecution, para sa buong bayan para magkaroon ng resolusyon itong bagay na ito.”
According to Ridon, the prosecution is slated to call National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday as their final witness for Article IV.
This specific article addresses the purported threats leveled by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Following that testimony, the prosecution plans to introduce witnesses and paperwork for Article I on Wednesday, which focuses on the suspected misappropriation of confidential funds.
“Hindi tayo puwedeng mag-delay, hindi tayo puwedeng makupot sa drama-drama,” Ridon maintained.
“I don’t think it is the business of the prosecution panel to undertake drama in such a matter of high importance.”
To substantiate the allegations regarding the mishandling of confidential funds, the panel intends to depend heavily on official paperwork and public records.
This evidence includes findings from the Commission on Audit (COA), civil registry forms, acknowledgment receipts, and banking documentation.
“Tingin ko naka-focus naman ho iyong prosecution panel sa una, ebidensya,” Ridon noted. “Iyan naman iyong gawain nitong nakaraang mga linggo.”