HOUSE lead prosecutor Atty. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas has said withdrawing three impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte did not end the efforts to hold her accountable.
Luistro pledged to submit the prosecution’s evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman once the panel receives a subpoena, rejecting concerns that narrowing the impeachment case had wasted its work.
“Wala pong nasasayang sa nangyaring withdrawal of articles,” Luistro said in an interview on dzMM Teleradyo Tuesday night.
The Senate impeachment court accepted the withdrawal of Articles I, III and IV on October 13.
These involved alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats.
Prosecutors retained Article II on alleged unexplained wealth, SALN violations and prohibited business interests.
The prosecution has concluded its presentation on that remaining article.
Luistro pointed to the grave threats proceedings before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court as one avenue where allegations covered by a withdrawn article are still being pursued.
Prosecutors had presented witnesses on confidential funds and grave threats before withdrawing those impeachment articles.
She also welcomed the Ombudsman’s interest in examining evidence gathered by the House prosecution.
“Narinig din natin si Ombudsman Boying Remulla na gustong tingnan itong mga ebidensya ng prosecution,” Luistro said. “And we welcome that pronouncement from the Ombudsman.”
“Kami po ay tatalima. As soon as ma-receive namin ang subpoena ng Ombudsman, ay amin pong isusumite lahat ng ebidensya ng prosecution kaugnay ng tatlong article,” Luistro continued.
The planned handover would supplement material previously submitted to the Ombudsman following the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s investigation during the 19th Congress.
Luistro said further matters still required examination, keeping the focus on pursuing the allegations beyond the withdrawn impeachment articles.
“Marami pa pong kaso ang dapat na pag-aralan,” she said.
Meanwhile, the prosecution continues preparing to cross-examine the witnesses Duterte’s defense will present when the impeachment trial resumes on November 9.
The panel is also preparing its formal offer of evidence on the remaining Article II, due October 23 under the impeachment court’s schedule.
The defense has 10 days from receipt to submit its comments before presenting its case.
metrosundaily
