PRIVATE prosecutor, lawyer Lorna Kapunan, has renewed her challenge for Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to testify in her impeachment trial, while acknowledging the decision belongs to the defense and predicting the Vice President and her husband would stay off the witness stand.
The counsel for the House Panel of Prosecutors said she wanted the opportunity to question Duterte directly about the financial allegations when the trial resumes November 9.
“I keep saying I hope she comes because I want to cross-examine her,” Kapunan said.
Asked about the prospect of testimony from Duterte and lawyer Manases Carpio, Kapunan expressed both a preference and a forecast.
She did not identify a confirmed decision from the defense about either spouse’s appearance.
“I hope they will. But I don’t think so,” she said.
The defense panel’s requested lineup for the first defense week included bank personnel and a corporate counsel. The list covers particular hearing dates.
Kapunan said the defense still controls whether to call Duterte or her husband.
“It is up to the defense in their judgment whether to make her appear or not,” Kapunan said.
She said the purpose of seeking Duterte’s testimony was to hear her answers to the allegations directly.
The prosecution’s evidence concerns financial records and declarations involving the Vice President, her husband, and companies associated with them.
Kapunan also cited an SWS (Social Weather Station) survey conducted on September 21-27 in which 78 percent of adult respondents considered Duterte’s personal testimony important.
The breakdown was 59 percent definitely important and 19 percent somewhat important.
“The people want her to appear and answer the charges against her,” she said.
However, the veteran lawyer doubted that appearing in court would benefit the Vice President.
“If the vice president does appear in the impeachment court, she will be the best evidence against herself,” Kapunan added.
Her prediction concerned demeanor and answers during a possible examination.
No such testimony has occurred in the defense phase, which has yet to begin.
Kapunan said the selection of witnesses would reflect the defense team’s judgment and Duterte’s own decision.
She closed the briefing with a warning to the Vice President after discussing her confidence in the prosecution’s case and the upcoming defense presentation: “Isa lang ang sasabihin ko Madam Vice President. The end is near.”
metrosundaily
