Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team on Monday declined to enter into a prosecution stipulation regarding an 11-day period linked to the disbursement of Office of the Vice President (OVP) confidential funds, stating the issue requires further examination.
During a post-trial press briefing, Atty. Michael Poa, spokesperson and member of the defense panel, explained that while the legal team agreed to stipulate on specific official records and documentary stamps, they withheld consent on the 11-day timeframe proposed by prosecutors.
“Sa atin yung 11 days kasi may mga explanation ‘yan. May maaari tayong gawin na cross examination dyan. So, hindi muna tayo pumayag sa stipulation doon,” Poa told reporters.
Poa noted that the defense is not challenging the authenticity of official Commission on Audit (COA) records, such as notices of suspension and audit observation memoranda (AOMs). However, they refused to stipulate on thousands of acknowledgment receipts tied to the questioned expenditures.
“Loose po kasi yan [acknowledgment receipts] eh. They’re separate sheets. So we cannot stipulate based on, I think, around 3,000, 4,000 documents,” he said.
The spokesperson emphasized that the refusal aims to safeguard the Vice President’s rights during the impeachment trial, maintaining a firm stance on evidence that demands thorough scrutiny due to its volume and nature.
“We really have to protect rin naman po the rights of our client.”
“Wala kaming sinasabi na baka may pineke or something, pero ang sinasabi natin is hindi natin alam,” he added.
The debate over stipulations arose as both parties attempted to establish uncontested facts to streamline the proceedings.
The Senate impeachment court adjourned its 11th session on August 3, with trial set to resume the following day as the prosecution continues presenting evidence on the alleged misuse of confidential funds under Article I.