THE House prosecution is confident it can secure the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, citing the strength of the evidence presented to support allegations of unexplained wealth and violations of the Constitution and other laws.
House impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Ace Barbers said prosecutors believe the documentary evidence and witness testimonies they presented are strong enough to convince the senator-judges to vote for Duterte’s conviction.
“Honestly, ang pakiramdam namin, we are confident that we can secure a conviction,” Barbers said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
“Bakit? Doon po sa aming nailatag na mga ebidensya, matibay at malakas po ang aming paniniwala na itong mga ebidensyang ito ay sumusuporta doon sa aming allegations na merong hindi maipaliwanag na yaman ang ating pangalawang pangulo at merong mga nalabag na mga provision sa ating Saligang Batas at merong nalabag na mga batas ang ating pangalawang pangulo,” he added.
Barbers said the prosecution believes its evidence will convince enough senator-judges to vote for conviction.
“Kumpiyansa kami with all these evidence we presented at inilatag sa korte, naniniwala kami na ito ay makakakuha ng mayorya ng boto ng members ng impeachment court, mga senador,” he said.
The prosecution’s case now focuses on Article II, which accuses Duterte of unexplained wealth, inaccurate financial declarations and prohibited business interests.
During the trial, financial forensic expert Alexander Cabrera testified that his analysis of financial records showed approximately P817.87 million in alleged unexplained wealth involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, from 2022 to 2025.
Cabrera said the amount could reach approximately P1.5 billion under a broader computation, subject to liabilities and other adjustments.
The prosecution also presented testimony from government agencies, banks and insurance companies concerning the couple’s financial transactions, assets and declared income.
Among the evidence were bank records showing combined year-end balances of P71.38 million in 2023, despite Duterte declaring zero cash on hand and in banks in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth for that year.
The prosecution formally offered its evidence ahead of the Oct. 23 deadline, including documents and testimonies previously challenged by Duterte’s lawyers.
The defense has 10 days to comment before the Senate impeachment court rules on the admissibility of the evidence.
Duterte has denied wrongdoing and disputed the allegations against her.
Her defense team is scheduled to begin presenting its case November 9.
metrosundaily
