THE lead prosecutor of the House prosecution panel believes the withdrawal of witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte could be interpreted as an indication that the individuals do not want to be associated with or support the party that sought their appearance in court.
Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, the lead prosecutor of the House prosecution, pointed out that the defense team began presenting its case by withdrawing several of the witnesses it had initially listed for subpoena by the Senate Impeachment Court.
Luistro noted that Dean Ralph Sarmiento, who was supposed to be the first witness for the defense, declined to testify even before the trial resumed, citing his desire to preserve his independence and impartiality.
“While we commend the reasons behind, which are very valid, and that is he doesn’t want to compromise his independence and impartiality, let us acknowledge as well the general impression when a supposed witness declined, backed out or begged off. The easiest interpretation that you can deduce from that kind of scenario, of course, is always, they do not want to be identified with the party who was supposed to present them,” Luistro said.
The lead prosecutor also pointed out that 18 of the 24 witnesses initially listed by the defense had already been withdrawn, which she said could create a negative impression among the public.
Luistro explained that the impression of the public will always be that witnesses presented by either the prosecution or defense will be supportive of their side or the issues that they are trying to prove.
“So, if there are witnesses who are declining, the easiest interpretation would be that they do not want to be identified as supporting the position of whichever party,” Luistro said.
According to Luistro, the defense’s decision to withdraw several witnesses has dampened the high expectations surrounding its presentation of evidence against the allegations raised by the prosecution.
So, as I was saying, hindi explosive ang pag-uumpisa ng presentation ng defense’s evidence, sapagkat ito ay inumpisahan sa withdrawal ng isang napakahalagang testigo,” Luistro said.
“We were anticipating explosive testimonies and/or evidence, but apparently, hindi nga ito kwitis eh, watusi pa yata ito,” she added.
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