HOUSE prosecutor Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo on Tuesday said the prosecution was “very satisfied” with the first day of presenting evidence in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte as it looks to sustain the same level of momentum throughout the proceedings.
“We were very satisfied with the outcome of today’s trial. No victory can be claimed until matapos ang verdict, but today was a very satisfactory day for the prosecution team,” Defensor said during a press briefing.
“Lumabas ang lahat ng ebidensya naming gustong ihain sa Senate impeachment court. At lahat ng statements na gustong ilabas ng impeachment team, nailabas namin,” he added.
Defensor said Tuesday’s presentation reflected months of preparation, with the prosecution deciding as early as last year to open its case with the fourth Article of Impeachment.
He said the panel had mapped out possible legal and procedural challenges ahead of the trial and prepared for every scenario.
“All I can tell you is that we are prepared for this impeachment trial, and we have anticipated every technicality or every scenario possible sa aming paghahanda,” he said.
Defensor said the prosecution intends to carry the same level of preparation and discipline through the rest of the proceedings.
“Aasahan n’yo mauulit itong ginawa namin ngayon. We will sustain this kind of energy during the trial, and we will continue to be respectful to our senator-judges,” he said.
The House prosecution began presenting evidence under the fourth Article of Impeachment, which charges Duterte with making grave threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
Its first witness, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, authenticated Duterte’s Nov. 23, 2024 online media briefing containing the alleged threats, along with official government statements offered as documentary evidence.
Defensor also praised private prosecutor Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan, who handled Calilung’s direct examination before the impeachment court.
“Mabuti rin at mahusay ang mga abogadong humawak nitong trial at itong unang testigo namin. Si Atty. Virgil Ligutan is an excellent trial lawyer. Hats off to Atty. Virgil Ligutan,” he said.
Defensor likewise commended Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who presided over the proceedings, for allowing the trial to proceed fairly and in accordance with established procedure.
“Mahusay ang first day of presentation of evidence dahil una, natuloy na ang trial at nasunod ang proseso sa tamang pamamaraan,” he said.
“Maganda ang pagpapatakbo ni Senate Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero. It was very fair at nabigyan ng pagkakataong mailabas ang ebidensya sa tamang pamamaraan,” Defensor said.
Defensor said the prosecution had long wanted its evidence presented not only before the senator-judges but also before the Filipino public.
