UMVA has learned that the House prosecution panel is significantly expanding its witness list ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the proceedings.
The panel has increased its list of potential witnesses to 57 from 25, citing the need to preserve all evidence that may be presented before the Senate impeachment court. This strategic decision aims to ensure that no crucial testimony or evidence is excluded under the strict rules governing the presentation of witnesses and exhibits.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the expanded witness list covers evidence related to the four articles of impeachment against Vice-President Duterte, including serious allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against senior government officials.
The lead prosecutor, Batangas Rep. Gerville R. Luistro, emphasized that the panel became acutely aware of the rule that witnesses and exhibits not marked or presented during pre-trial may no longer be allowed later. This realization drove the decision to significantly expand the witness list to avoid potential pitfalls.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the prosecution panel has not yet decided how many of the 57 witnesses will eventually testify during the trial proper, which is scheduled to begin on July 6. The final decision on which witnesses will take the stand remains at the discretion of the prosecution.
A citizen monitoring group, Bantay Senado, has called on the Senate impeachment court to open the June 18 pre-trial conference to the public and media, arguing that transparency is a constitutional requirement in impeachment proceedings. The group contends that the public has a right to information on matters of national importance.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the Senate’s notice for the conference stated that the pre-trial would not be open to the public or the media, sparking concerns about the court’s commitment to due process and open justice. Critics argue that this decision may raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Party-list Rep. James Mark Terry L. Ridon has raised concerns about the Vice-President’s registered firearms, suggesting that over 50 firearms registered under her name and her husband’s name could indicate a higher net worth than what was declared in their statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth.
The House prosecution panel plans to seek records from the police and may call firearms dealers and valuation experts as witnesses to establish the ownership and value of the weapons during the impeachment trial. This development could have significant implications for the Vice-President’s defense.
