Lead prosec Luistro: Cabrera is prosecution’s final witness for unexplained wealth

LEAD House Prosecutor Atty. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro confirmed Saturday that forensic financial analyst Atty. Alexander Cabrera will be the prosecution’s final witness in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, formally concluding the panel’s presentation of evidence under Article II — the unexplained wealth charge.

Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Luistro also reaffirmed the decision to withdraw Article III, the bribery charge, to keep proceedings moving forward. “I wish to formally announce that Atty. Alex Cabrera is the last witness of the prosecution for unexplained wealth,” she stated, noting that his testimony consolidates findings on bank transactions, tax records, properties, business interests, and SALN disclosures involving Duterte, her husband Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio, and their affiliated companies.

Cabrera completed his direct examination Friday under questioning from Rep. Chel Diokno. On Monday, he will face cross‑examination by the defense, followed by possible redirect questioning from the prosecution and further inquiries from senator‑judges. Luistro acknowledged the exchange may be extensive given the breadth of Cabrera’s report, which covers millions of pesos in alleged undeclared assets and income across multiple entities. Once testimony concludes, the prosecution will seek the court’s guidance on filing its formal offer of exhibits, which the defense will then have an opportunity to review and comment on before the court rules on admissibility.

Luistro also noted that the impeachment court retains the authority to call additional witnesses after the defense presents its case, and both sides may question any such witnesses. The prosecution is likewise seeking clarification on whether rebuttal evidence will be permitted, which would influence the exact timing of the formal exhibit submission. With the withdrawal of the bribery article and the close of its witness list, the panel is now focused on ensuring the remaining evidence is fully presented and tested before the trial moves to the defense phase.