Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon expressed confidence that the evidence gathered against Vice President Sara Duterte is strong enough to stand on its own, regardless of whether she personally testifies in her ongoing Senate impeachment trial.
Speaking as a public prosecutor in the trial, Ridon emphasized that the senator-judges should focus on evaluating the documentary evidence and testimonies provided by the prosecution rather than treating the Vice President’s personal appearance as a deciding factor.
“Irrespective of whether the Vice President actually presents herself in the proceedings, yung (the) staggering weight of the evidence will probably speak for itself,” Ridon stated during an interview.
His remarks followed an assessment by House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin, who suggested that the prosecution could secure the 16 votes necessary for a conviction if Duterte opts not to personally address the questioned financial transactions.
Ridon noted that the prosecution panel is leaving final decisions entirely up to the Senate impeachment court.
“So tignan ho natin kung paano po yung maging pagwawakas nito pong paglilitis po na ito. Ayaw natin hong pangunahan yun pong Senate impeachment court sa bagay na ito,” he said.
Unexplained Wealth Allegations
The remaining primary allegation under Article II focuses on Duterte’s supposed failure to properly disclose substantial assets and financial interests. Records indicate multiple transactions and balances linked to her and her husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio.
During earlier proceedings, prosecution witness and forensic analyst Atty. Alexander Cabrera conservatively estimated around ₱817.87 million in unexplained wealth spanning from 2022 to 2025. A broader computation placed the figure closer to ₱1.5 billion, though defense lawyers have strongly disputed these numbers.
Ridon stressed that the prosecution expects the defense to directly address every piece of evidence submitted.
“So our hope is masagot po ng depensa each and every allegation, each and every piece of evidence that had been submitted for the consideration of the Senate impeachment court,” he added.
The defense has not yet publicly confirmed whether Duterte will take the witness stand. Meanwhile, prosecutors remain keen on questioning her regarding disputed financial declarations, properties, and business interests flagged by government investigators.
“Well, we will see pagka ho sinalang po yung pangalawang pangulo,” Ridon said.