THE Senate impeachment court is urged to allow the House prosecution panel the opportunity to fully present its evidence so that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte can proceed in a manner that promotes truth, accountability, and due process, House prosecutor and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said Sunday.
With the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte set to begin on July 6, Chua said the House prosecution panel has been preparing for months and remains focused on presenting its evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
“Kami po ay matagal nang naghahanda at sa abot ng aming makakaya syempre gagawin namin lahat,” Chua said in an interview on dzBB’s Bantay Balita sa Kongreso with Nimfa Ravelo and Isa Avendaño-Umali.
He said the prosecution’s primary request is for the impeachment court to allow both sides to fully present their evidence.
“Ang hinihiling namin talaga sa impeachment court ay bigyan kami ng pagkakataon na mailatag ng maayos ang aming mga ebidensya,” he said.
Chua stressed that an impeachment trial should not be treated like an ordinary court proceeding where technical rules dominate the outcome.
“Hindi naman ito kagaya ng ordinary proceedings ng court na talagang mamumuhay tayo sa technicality,” he said.
“Kasi dapat ang tingnan natin dito kung gaano kahalaga itong impeachment trial sa ating bansa dahil ang pinag-uusapan dito ay accountability. Kaya dapat manaig dito kung ano ang katotohanan,” Chua said.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to begin the trial proper on July 6.
Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations that include the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery involving Department of Education personnel, and threats against the country’s top officials.
metrosundaily
