THE House prosecution is ready to cross-examine Vice President Sara Z. Duterte if her defense team presents her as a witness when her impeachment trial resumes November 9.
House impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Ace Barbers said prosecutors would welcome the opportunity for Duterte to personally answer the allegations of unexplained wealth against her.
“Kung ipipresenta nila ang Pangalawang Pangulo bilang kanilang witness, eh preparado ang prosecution to cross,” Barbers said.
“‘Yan nga ang aming sinasabi noon pa, no, para kung may pagkakataon na maimbitahan at siya mismo ang sumagot sa mga allegations thrown against her, eh mas maganda,” he added.
Barbers said prosecutors are preparing for the defense’s presentation and are ready to examine whatever evidence Duterte’s lawyers submit.
The House prosecution is pursuing Article II, the sole remaining impeachment charge against Duterte, involving allegations of unexplained wealth and violations related to her financial declarations.
When prosecutors rested their case on Oct. 12, they withdrew three other articles involving alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats.
During the trial, prosecutors presented bank records, tax documents, corporate filings and witness testimonies that they said supported the unexplained wealth allegations.
Financial forensic expert Alexander Cabrera testified that his review identified approximately P817.87 million in alleged unexplained wealth involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, from 2022 to 2025.
The prosecution submitted its formal offer of evidence on Oct. 21, covering the documents and testimonies presented during the trial.
Duterte’s lawyers are scheduled to begin presenting their defense November 9, but it remains unclear whether she will testify.
metrosundaily
