The House prosecution panel is leaning toward omitting the presentation of evidence for the bribery charge against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, according to prosecution spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum, Alonto Adiong clarified that while the prosecution team appears inclined toward this strategy, a final and official consensus has not yet been formalized.
“I think the direction that we want to pursue is, although it’s not official, but we might no longer present [the bribery charge],” Alonto Adiong explained. “But it has not been officially decided by the prosecution team. So mukhang ’yun po ’yung direction. But let’s see kung ano po ang mangyayari in the coming days.”
Should the panel finalize its decision, Alonto Adiong noted that House lead prosecutor and Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro will submit the formal manifestation before the Senate impeachment court.
Article III of the Articles of Impeachment alleges that Duterte engaged in bribery related to the supposed distribution of cash-filled envelopes to Department of Education officials during her tenure as education secretary.
Alonto Adiong pointed out that the prosecutors are re-evaluating their strategy based on the strength of the evidence and witness testimony already introduced under the other articles.
“What is important, kasi, is that base po doon sa presentation natin ng mga ebidensya at mga witnesses, mukhang klaro na po na meron talagang culpable violation against the Constitution, meron na pong betrayal of public trust,” he stated.
The prosecution has already concluded its presentation of evidence for Article IV, which involves alleged grave threats, and Article I, which covers the alleged misuse of confidential funds. The panel is currently presenting evidence under Article II, which accuses the Vice President of possessing unexplained wealth and related statutory violations.
The Senate impeachment court has yet to render judgment on any of the charges filed against the Vice President.