HOUSE lead prosecutor Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas on Wednesday said she was personally aiming for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to conclude before Christmas.
“Ako, I am personally aiming before Christmas para masaya ang Pasko natin lahat,” Luistro said at a press conference following the sixth day of the trial.
Luistro made the statement when asked for the prosecution’s assessment of when the proceedings could be completed following its decision to reduce the number of witnesses under Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment.
She said the prosecution was reviewing its witness lists for the three remaining articles, noting that developments during the trial could require the withdrawal or addition of witnesses.
“Well, we are in the process of re-evaluating the list of our witnesses for the three succeeding articles,” Luistro said.
“But of course, you have to consider also that there are times when it is the exigency of the trial that demands for the withdrawal of some of the witnesses,” she added.
Luistro cited the prosecution’s decision to withdraw some witnesses under Article IV after assessing the testimonies already presented by National Bureau of Investigation Agent John Mark Calilung and Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.
She said the prosecution could only determine whether additional witnesses remained necessary after hearing the complete testimonies of those who had already taken the witness stand.
“Indeed, it is only after you’ve heard entirely the testimony of these witnesses when you will be able to evaluate, sapat na ba? Kulang ba? Kailangan bang dagdagan?” Luistro said.
The lead prosecutor said the prosecution had reserved the right under its pre-trial brief to withdraw witnesses or present additional ones when required by developments during the proceedings.
“Kung hindi man pagwi-withdraw, pwede rin magkaroon ng additional if the exigency of the trial demands,” she said.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag is scheduled to take the witness stand on Tuesday as the prosecution’s final witness under Article IV before it proceeds to Article I involving the alleged misuse and irregular disbursement of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
metrosundaily
