HOUSE impeachment prosecutor and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua on Saturday said public interest in the evidence against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has grown, with more Filipinos wanting the impeachment trial to proceed so they can see the case presented in full.
Chua said Filipinos have become more aware of the evidence after the hearings conducted by the House Committee on Justice, where lawmakers presented documents and testimony supporting the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President.
“Malaking bagay po na namulat ang tao nung tayo po ay nag-conduct ng committee hearing sa Committee on Justice kung saan nakita po ng kababayan natin ang mga ebidensya,” Chua said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
The chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability said many Filipinos now want the impeachment case to move forward and finally be resolved through a full trial.
“Marami po ang nagtatanong at panahon na siguro. Isa sa mga gusto ng mga tao ay matuldukan na itong isyu ng impeachment, masimulan ang paglilitis at matapos na ang paglilitis at makita ng mga kababayan natin ang mga ebidensya,” he said.
Chua also cited a survey showing that 82 percent of respondents support the impeachment trial, but stressed that this should not be interpreted to mean they have already concluded that Duterte is guilty.
“Hindi naman po ibig sabihin na itong 82 percent ay naniniwala sila na guilty na ang ating Vice President. Bagkus, interesado sila na makita ang ebidensya at magkaroon na ng tuldok itong impeachment trial,” he said.
The Senate impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6, with opening statements from the prosecution and the defense expected on the first day.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in May and is facing trial 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
