House lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro said she is personally aiming to conclude the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte before Christmas.
“Ako, I am personally aiming before Christmas para masaya ang Pasko natin lahat,” Luistro said during a press conference.
She made the statement when asked about the prosecution’s assessment of when the proceedings could end following its decision to reduce the number of witnesses under Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment.
Luistro said the prosecution was reviewing its witness lists for the three remaining articles, noting that developments during the trial could prompt the withdrawal of some witnesses or the presentation of additional ones.
“Well, we are in the process of re-evaluating the list of our witnesses for the three succeeding articles,” Luistro said.
“But of course, you have to consider also that there are times when it is the exigency of the trial that demands for the withdrawal of some of the witnesses,” she added.
Luistro cited the prosecution’s decision to withdraw some witnesses under Article IV after evaluating the testimonies already presented by National Bureau of Investigation Agent John Mark Calilung and Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.
She said the prosecution could determine whether more witnesses were still needed only after hearing the full testimonies of those who had already taken the witness stand.
“Indeed, it is only after you’ve heard entirely the testimony of these witnesses when you will be able to evaluate, sapat na ba? Kulang ba? Kailangan bang dagdagan?” Luistro said.
The lead prosecutor said the prosecution had reserved the right in its pre-trial brief to withdraw witnesses or present additional ones depending on developments during the proceedings.
“Kung hindi man pagwi-withdraw, pwede rin magkaroon ng additional if the exigency of the trial demands,” she said.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag is scheduled to take the witness stand on Tuesday as the prosecution’s final witness under Article IV before the panel proceeds to Article I, which involves the alleged misuse and irregular disbursement of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.