House impeachment prosecutors said they are preparing to present stronger evidence next week in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, hinting at a possible major development under Article IV of the impeachment complaint.
The prosecution panel, however, declined to provide details, citing the rule against discussing matters that have not yet been presented before the Senate impeachment court.
During a press briefing, House prosecution legal spokesperson Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr., Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega, San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez gave updates on the first week of the trial and the next witnesses expected to testify on Article IV, which covers the grave threats allegation.
Asked whether the prosecution would present a “pasabog” next week, Tolosa said the panel has strong evidence lined up.
“Meron ho kaming matibay na ebidensya na ilalabas sa susunod na linggo,” Tolosa said.
He said prosecutors cannot elaborate on evidence that has yet to be formally introduced in the proceedings.
“Because of the sub judice rule, we cannot talk about matters which were not yet discussed in the impeachment proceedings,” Tolosa said.
“That’s why we’re begging for your patience at this time,” he added.
Tolosa said the prosecution may discuss the matters once its witnesses have presented them before the impeachment court.
“Pag nailatag na ho ‘yan ng witnesses namin, pwede na natin pag-usapan,” he said.
Asked about possible developments in the National Bureau of Investigation’s inquiry, Tolosa said the public should wait for the testimony of the prosecution’s next NBI witnesses.
“Let’s wait for the testimony of Director [Melvin] Matibag and the other regional director of the NBI,” Tolosa said.
“They will be testifying about the investigation conducted by the NBI in relation to this,” he added.
Zamora said the prosecution is still in the early stages of presenting evidence under Article IV.
“Umpisa pa lang po ito,” Zamora said.
“Hindi pa po tapos ang pagpresenta ng mga witness patungkol sa Article IV o ‘yung grave threats article,” she added.
She said another NBI official, Atty. Jeremy Sy Lotoc, is scheduled to testify on Monday.
“In the coming weeks, meron pa po tayong ibang witnesses, ang susunod naman po ay na-announce na at yun din po ay isa pang NBI official, yun po si Attorney Lotoc, which we will present on Monday,” Zamora said.
Zamora urged the public to continue following the proceedings.
“Sana po, subaybayan po ng ating public ang trial ng ating Vice President at marami pa po tayong mapupulot na kaalaman dito,” she said.
For the House prosecution panel, the first witness only laid the groundwork, with prosecutors maintaining that Article IV remains far from over and that the next pieces of evidence will be presented before the impeachment court.