THE House prosecution panel is preparing to question defense witnesses about mansions and other properties allegedly linked to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and her family when her impeachment trial resumes November 9.
House prosecutor Terry L. Ridon said the properties could become an issue during cross-examination as the defense answers allegations of P800 million to P1.5 billion in alleged unexplained wealth.
“Isa po sa mga pinaghahandaan po namin, ‘yung aktwal na paglalatag on cross-examination ng mga mansion at pag-aari ng mga Duterte,” Ridon said Monday.
He said the properties included those allegedly linked to Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte and others identified by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as belonging to the vice president.
“Kasama rito si Congressman Paolo Duterte, kasama rito ‘yung pagmamay-ari na ina-identify ng [NBI] na pag-aari mismo ni Pangalawang Pangulo Sara Duterte,” he said.
Ridon acknowledged that the vice president had denied owning some of the properties.
He said NBI Director Melvin Matibag had maintained that investigators checked property records with the Land Registration Authority and conducted site inspections.
“So, in the event that defense witnesses will be presented who can actually speak the truth or clarify on the question of the mansions, the prosecution panel will ask it to them completely,” Ridon said.
The NBI earlier presented information about properties allegedly linked to the Duterte family, including mansions in Davao City and a resort on Samal Island.
The Dutertes have disputed the allegations.
The House prosecution has rested its case on Article II of the impeachment complaint, which concerns alleged unexplained wealth and discrepancies in Duterte’s financial declarations.
Ridon said the prosecution would use cross-examination to seek answers about the disputed properties and their ownership.
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