PRIVATE prosecutor Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. on Saturday warned against rhetoric questioning the legitimacy of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying such attacks could condition her supporters to reject an unfavorable ruling.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City, Tolosa urged the public to judge the proceedings through the evidence. His appeal followed a question about possible protests if the Senate impeachment court convicted Duterte.
He criticized what he described as “attacks against the integrity of the court and impeachment proceedings itself.”
Tolosa accused Duterte of repeatedly casting doubt on the court’s independence and the conduct of the case.
“Paulit-ulit laging sinasabi this is marred by bending the law, sinasabi niya hawak ng presidente ang mga senador, recently kung anong issues na ginagamit para to question the legality of the proceedings and the independence of the senator judges,” he said.
House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, who joined the forum, said he did not expect public support for protest actions if Duterte were convicted.
“I would expect wala pong public support for any protest actions for the vice president in the event that she gets convicted,” Ridon said.
He referred to survey findings on acceptance of the Senate’s decision, “whether they will convict or they will acquit.” The SWS survey found 51 percent agreed the Senate’s decision should be accepted, whether Duterte is acquitted or convicted.
Tolosa said he feared supporters were being encouraged to dismiss an unfavorable outcome as illegitimate.
“So we hope hindi mapadala ang mga kababayan natin sa ganyang klaseng rhetoric,” he said.
His appeal was to respect the court’s process as both sides present their positions on Article II, the sole remaining charge involving alleged unexplained wealth.
Tolosa urged the public to “respect the rule of law.” The defense phase will allow Duterte’s lawyers to present witnesses and documents in response to the prosecution’s case.
The defense presentation is scheduled to begin November 9.
metrosundaily
