DEPUTY Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Saturday expressed confidence that House prosecutors are prepared for whatever strategy the defense may employ in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
In a news forum, Ortega said he would not be surprised by any move from the defense panel, including the possible presentation of witnesses not previously expected to take part in the proceedings.
“Sa tingin ko lahat ng scenarios pinaghandaan naman ng prosecutors natin,” Ortega said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
The House leader made the remark when asked about reports that the Vice President was not included in the defense panel’s initial list of possible witnesses submitted during pre-trial proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.
While declining to comment on the defense’s legal strategy, Ortega said the prosecution team has prepared for various possibilities.
“I don’t know if that’s the willing strategy ng defense, pero naniniwala ako na handa ‘yung prosecutors kung ano man,” he said.
The deputy speaker also suggested that the defense could employ unconventional approaches as the trial progresses.
“Malamang maraming unconventional strategies ang gagawin ng defense diyan,” Ortega said.
He added that some moves could be aimed at extending the proceedings, but stressed that the House prosecution panel is prepared.
“Nakikita po natin parang may mga, siguro sabihin na natin may konting paraan para mas humaba o ma-delay man ito,” Ortega said.
He added: “Pero nakahanda po ‘yung prosecutors natin. They’re very well prepared.
Ortega noted that House prosecutors have conducted extensive preparations both individually and as teams assigned to specific Articles of Impeachment.
“May individual preparations po sila at saka may group preparations po per article,” he said.
The House prosecution panel, led by Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, is set to present evidence supporting the four Articles of Impeachment against Duterte when the Senate impeachment trial begins on July 6.
The prosecution team has previously said it has prepared documentary evidence and dozens of witnesses to support the charges contained in the impeachment complaint.
