THE House prosecution could further shorten its witness lineup in Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s confidential-fund case once the remaining testimony completes what it considers the evidentiary “puzzle” under Article I.
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House trial spokesperson and impeachment adviser Ace Barbers said at the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City that prosecutors are continuously assessing whether all remaining witnesses are still necessary as evidence accumulates before the Impeachment Court.
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“Okay, meron pa kasing, it’s like completing the puzzle. So na lagay na natin ‘yung mga piyesa, pero mayroon pa rin mga kulang,” Barbers stated.
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The prosecution was initially allocated 31 trial days for Article I, although House prosecutors have repeatedly indicated that they are prepared to drop witnesses whose testimony becomes cumulative or unnecessary after key facts are established.
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Barbers said the remaining witnesses are intended to fill specific gaps and complete the overall evidentiary picture before the panel decides whether it can rest its presentation on confidential funds.
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“Kaya nga itong nakalign up ng mga witnesses, ito ‘yung magko-kompleto sa totoong o sa kabuuang litrato or in the whole picture of the evidence that the prosecution panel wants to present,” Barbers expressed.
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The House previously shortened its presentation under Article IV on Duterte’s alleged grave threats by withdrawing several witnesses after concluding that the evidence already on record was sufficient for its purposes.
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Barbers said Article I could follow the same approach once prosecutors determine that the additional evidentiary value of remaining witnesses no longer justifies extending the presentation.
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“And we believe that once this is over, we can already perhaps and we feel that the evidence is sufficient, then baka pwede nang magbawas tayo ng ibang witnesses kagaya nang ginawa ng prosecution sa article 4, ‘yung sa grave threats,” Barbers said.
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Two trial days have also been lost to severe weather while some scheduled witnesses have been delayed by medical or other circumstances, increasing pressure on the prosecution to use its remaining hearing dates efficiently.
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“In the event na the prosecution feels na pwede ng i-excuse ‘yung iba nating mga witnesses, depende ‘yun sa pag-aaral ng ating prosecution panel. Siguro maaaring gawin din ng prosecution ‘yun, nang sa ganun hindi naman tayo tumagal ng husto,” Barbers said.
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“Kasi gusto rin natin naman na matapos na ito. Lalo ngayon ang Congress ay busy sa budget preparation for 2027,” he added.
