The House prosecution panel is preparing to cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence presented by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s defense team when her Senate impeachment trial resumes on Nov. 9.
House prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua said the prosecution and defense will switch roles during the next phase of the trial, with Duterte’s lawyers presenting their defense and House prosecutors questioning their witnesses.
“Kami naman po sa prosecution, kami naman po ang magco-cross. So magiging baligtad naman po,” Chua said.
Chua noted that the prosecution will first submit its formal offer of evidence, giving the defense an opportunity to evaluate and comment on the documents and testimony introduced during the prosecution’s turn.
“Kami po ay magsa-submit ng aming formal offer of evidence, at inaasahan po natin na ito po ay sasagutin o magbibigay ng komento naman ang depensa,” Chua said.
He added that Duterte’s defense team is expected to identify its intended witnesses at least five days before the trial reconvenes.
“Five days bago mag-November 9, inaasahan din po natin na ibibigay na rin po nila kung paano po o kung sino-sino po ‘yung mga testigo na kanilang pong ipipresenta, particularly po dito sa Article II,” Chua also said.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to resume proceedings on Nov. 9 after taking a break to allow senators to focus on deliberating the proposed 2027 national budget.
The defense will then present evidence regarding Article II, the sole remaining charge against Duterte, which involves alleged unexplained wealth, undeclared assets, and prohibited business interests.
“Pagkasimula po neto, masasaksihan naman po natin kung saan ang depensa naman po ang mag-o-offer ng kanilang evidence in chief,” Chua said.
The prosecution previously concluded its presentation of witnesses, calling representatives from banking institutions, insurance firms, and government agencies to the stand.
The prosecution’s final witness, forensic accounting expert Alexander Cabrera, testified that an analysis of available financial records revealed approximately P817.87 million in allegedly unexplained wealth associated with Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, between 2022 and 2025.
House prosecutors maintain that the evidence submitted establishes culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.
Duterte has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and her legal team will begin contesting the prosecution’s case when trial proceedings resume.