THE House prosecution panel will summon Vice President Sara Duterte to the witness stand to clarify matters regarding the alleged misuse of confidential funds and other key issues raised under Article I of the Articles of Impeachment.
Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating that the prosecution is forgoing the presentation of 15 out of its 27 scheduled witnesses for Article I. Instead, the panel will reserve its right to directly question the Vice President before the Senate Impeachment Court, effectively making Duterte the focal witness for the prosecution on the allegations against her.
By calling Duterte to testify, the prosecution aims to ask her directly about the facts, circumstances, and decisions surrounding the release, utilization, and liquidation of the disputed confidential funds.
This strategic move streamlines the presentation of evidence while shifting the burden of explanation to the Vice President herself. Rather than building its case entirely through third‑party accounts and documents, the prosecution intends to confront Duterte with the evidence and give her the opportunity to respond under oath, allowing the impeachment court to hear her side and observe her testimony firsthand.
Kapunan emphasized that the prosecution reserves the right to examine Duterte not only on Article I but across all articles of impeachment brought against her.
This means the Vice President may be questioned on the full scope of charges — including the confidential funds allegations and other matters — should she take the stand. The decision to reduce the witness list and call Duterte marks a significant shift in the trial’s proceedings, placing the spotlight squarely on her testimony as the prosecution seeks to establish accountability through direct examination.
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