Prosecutor Ridon to VP Sara defense: Present witnesses, not weaknesses

HOUSE prosecutor Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon over the weekend challenged Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s lawyers to present credible witnesses who can directly answer the financial evidence against her, warning that weak testimony would not be enough to counter allegations of unexplained wealth.

Ridon questioned whether the defense’s proposed witnesses could explain the bank records, financial documents and other evidence already admitted by the Senate impeachment court.

“Kaya nga ang sinasabi natin, kailangan ho witnesses, hindi weaknesses ’yun pong isasalang po ng depensa sa darating pong mga araw,” Ridon said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

He said he had yet to see anyone on the defense’s witness list who appeared capable of addressing the prosecution’s allegations point by point.

“Kasi katulad ng binabanggit ho nitong nagdaan, parang wala po doon sa witness list ’yun pong tingin ko makakapagpaliwanag doon po sa punto per punto ng mga paratang at mga naipasok pong mga ebidensya sa formal offer of evidence,” Ridon said.

The defense is scheduled to begin presenting its witnesses Monday, Nov. 9, after the House prosecution formally rested its case.

Ridon said the impeachment court had admitted nearly all of the prosecution’s documentary evidence and testimony.

“Kailangan ho nating maglinaw, almost all pieces of evidence, testimony, documents had been accepted by the Senate impeachment court,” he said.

He added that the prosecution had anticipated the exclusion of some exhibits.

“Ang mga ilang tinabi, puro ’yung mga inaasahan na rin naman po namin na hindi po talaga maipapasok doon po sa listahan ng mga ebidensya, dokumento at testimonya na binabanggit,” Ridon said.

Ridon stressed that the defense must now confront the evidence presented under Article II, the sole remaining impeachment charge involving alleged unexplained wealth.

The House prosecution has presented financial records and forensic accounting findings alleging at least P817.87 million in unexplained wealth involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

Duterte’s lawyers have disputed the allegations and challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence.

The defense is expected to present its case over several hearing dates through Nov. 23, with House prosecutors retaining the right to cross-examine its witnesses.