THE defense’s attack on self-confessed hitman Arturo Lascañas’ unnotarized statement could prompt the House prosecution to consider presenting him personally before the Senate Impeachment Court.
House prosecutor and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon raised the possibility after Duterte’s lawyers questioned the document cited during National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag’s testimony.
“I think it appears to be a challenge kasi unnotarized and submitted to the ICC (International Criminal Court). Siguro puwedeng pag-isipan ng prosecution, hindi ba?” Ridon said in a press conference Tuesday night.
The prosecution presented portions of the statement to establish that it was among the materials examined by the NBI in assessing the seriousness of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s alleged threats.
“Is that what they want to actually happen? For the prosecution to actually invite Arturo Lascañas to the Senate impeachment trial?” Ridon asked.
The presiding officer limited the document’s use to showing what investigators reviewed and did not admit its allegations as established facts against Duterte.
Lascañas’ statement was described during the proceedings as a document previously submitted to the ICC in connection with its investigation of alleged killings during the Duterte administration.
“Kasi we have to go back to the point na it was basically that particular testimony which sent the former president to the Hague,” Ridon explained.
The prosecution is nearing the completion of its presentation under Article IV and would still have to determine whether Lascañas’ testimony is necessary, relevant and timely.
“So if it’s something the defense would want to undertake or kami, we will talk about it,” Ridon noted.
“We will see if that is material or relevant or timely pa ba lalo’t higit magsasara na kami,” he added.
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