Marivic Pareja, Director of the House Legislative Information Resources Management Department, is set to appear on Monday before the impeachment court evaluating Vice President Sara Duterte.
Prosecutors indicated her testimony will primarily focus on certifying official legislative archives compiled during prior congressional inquiries.
According to Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua, a member of the House prosecution panel, Pareja’s presentation aims to formally introduce records from the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability into evidence without requiring each document to be presented individually.
“Yung mga archives. During the committee hearing ng Good Government. Ano lang naman to? I-authenticate lang niya. Or por poseso para at least hindi na lahat ipapakita. Mas mabilis lang to,” Chua said in an television interview.
Cagayan de Oro 1st District Representative Lordan Suan has been tasked with leading Pareja’s examination on behalf of the prosecution team.
Although Pareja’s procedural testimony is expected to proceed smoothly, Chua noted that the prosecution is preparing for significantly more contentious appearances from subsequent witnesses identified as Acosta and Fajarda.
“Pero yung susunod, si Acosta at si Fajarda, yun ang medyo madugo,” Chua said.
Private legal counsel has been engaged to conduct the examinations for both Acosta and Fajarda. Addressing whether either individual would be designated as hostile witnesses, Chua explained that the panel will first evaluate their deportment and level of cooperation while on the stand.
“Tingnan muna natin kung paano yung… Ay kung ano naman eh, kung cooperative naman. So, tingnan muna natin kung paano yung sila sasagot sa mga tanong,” he said.
Chua expressed confidence regarding their attendance, citing active legal directives mandating their presence before the court.
“Kasi, well, may subpoena eh. So, pupwede sila ma-contact. So, ako naman, I don’t think naman na they will not show up. Dahil tingin ko naman, mauubligahin naman sila,” he said.