The House prosecution team will seek procedural guidance from the Senate impeachment court on when to formally tender its documentary evidence against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, particularly regarding whether additional court witnesses or rebuttal evidence will precede the defense’s turn.
House lead prosecutor Atty. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas said over the weekend that prosecutors must clarify whether the court plans to summon its own witnesses or allow rebuttal presentation before finalizing their submission.
“From the conclusion of the testimony of the expert witness, we wish to seek the guidance of the impeachment court as to when we will be filing the formal offer of exhibits,” Luistro said.
The announcement comes as the prosecution prepares to wrap up its presentation of evidence following the cross-examination of financial forensic expert Atty. Alexander B. Cabrera on Monday, Oct. 12.
Cabrera, serving as the prosecution’s final witness, testified Friday that his forensic evaluation uncovered P817.87 million in allegedly undeclared assets and income involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, from 2022 to 2025.
Luistro explained that a formal offer of exhibits remains necessary to allow the impeachment court to rule on document admissibility.
“After ma-file, bibigyan ng period to comment ang defense, no? And then after which the court will rule on the admission or non-admission of the exhibits which are being offered,” Luistro also said.
However, Luistro noted that presiding officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero previously raised the possibility of calling independent court witnesses once the defense concludes its case.
Luistro pointed out that both prosecution and defense panels could be granted leave to examine any court-called witnesses.
“In that case, we wish to be guided kung ia-allow ba ang parties mag-present ng rebuttal evidence,” Luistro said.
“Because if so, then we believe that formal offer should be done after the determination of whether or not there’s a need to present rebuttal evidence,” Luistro also said.
The prosecution panel has concluded presenting evidence on the confidential funds and grave threats articles while concluding its submission on the unexplained wealth charge.
Prosecutors also opted to withdraw the bribery charge to prevent unnecessary delays in trial proceedings.
Luistro stated that the completion of Cabrera’s testimony is expected to conclude the prosecution’s case presentation, pending further instructions from the impeachment court.