Sworn financial disclosures and bank documents—rather than competing political claims—will anchor the remainder of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s Senate trial to prevent drawn-out proceedings and counter claims of political bias.
House prosecution legal spokesperson and counsel Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. stated that focusing exclusively on Article II makes it difficult for critics to dismiss the ongoing impeachment as mere political maneuvering.
“Ito naman ang mas madaling maunawaan, masubaybayan ng ating mga kababayan, at mahirap sabihing pamumulitika lamang,” Tolosa said.
The strategic shift to narrow the case follows the prosecution’s financial presentation, which featured analysis from forensic accounting expert Alexander Cabrera.
Cabrera’s evaluation identified at least P817.87 million in alleged undeclared assets and unexplained wealth between 2022 and 2025 by comparing bank records, business filings, and tax records against Duterte’s official Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.
Tolosa noted that the documentary evidence offers an objective benchmark for evaluation because the records directly contrast with filings Duterte personally submitted under oath to government agencies.
Beyond strengthening the focus on documentary proof, the prosecution sought to address growing public weariness over the duration of the trial after the Senate impeachment court approved the withdrawal of three other charges on Oct. 13.
“Pinapakinggan natin ang sentimiyento ng mga kababayan natin na dapat as much as possible, iwasang tumagal pa ang hearing. Dito nagkakaroon ng impeachment fatigue,” Tolosa also said.
The defense team is scheduled to begin its presentation of evidence on November 9, when Duterte’s lawyers will have the opportunity to challenge Cabrera’s financial analysis and introduce counter-evidence before the Senate tribunal.