Courtesy: House justice panel
HOUSE prosecutor Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has said there is no basis for claims of “surprise witnesses” in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, arguing that the prosecution has already disclosed its witnesses and documentary evidence through its pre-trial submissions.
De Lima said the prosecution’s witness list and documentary evidence have already been identified in its pre-trial brief filed before the Senate impeachment court.
Because of those disclosures, she said neither side should be able to claim that it was caught off guard by testimony or evidence presented during trial.
“So there can be no questions about, ‘well it’s a surprise witness, we’re being ambushed here by a surprise witness,’” De Lima said.
The former senator made the remarks after the House prosecution panel agreed to a proposal requiring both parties to notify each other at least three days before presenting witnesses during trial.
She clarified, however, that the proposal originated from the defense, not the prosecution.
“Gusto ko pong linawin na itong requirement na ito, itong proposal na ito ay actually hiling po ‘yan ng defense. Hindi po ‘yan hiling ng prosecution,” De Lima said.
According to De Lima, the prosecution did not consider the additional notice requirement necessary because the witnesses and evidence it intends to present have already been disclosed.
“Kasi sa tingin po namin ay nandyan naman, alam na nila kung sino ‘yung mga witnesses namin. Alam na nila kung ano ‘yung mga ebidensya. Nandyan ‘yan sa pre-trial brief,” she explained.
Nevertheless, De Lima said the prosecution agreed to the proposal to avoid procedural disputes that could slow down the proceedings.
“Pero ‘yun na nga para wala nang mga ganoong usapan that could further delay the proceedings, pumayag po kami,” she said.
The three-day disclosure requirement was among the matters raised in a manifestation filed by the prosecution before the Senate impeachment court on Wednesday.
The Senate impeachment court is currently conducting pre-trial proceedings ahead of the July 6 start of Duterte’s impeachment trial.
