The House prosecution panel has submitted to the Senate impeachment court its proposed sequence for presenting evidence in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, beginning with allegations of an assassination plot, grave threats, and inciting to sedition.
House trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the June 22 submission outlines a preferred order of presentation, but stressed that it remains subject to approval or modification by the impeachment court.
Under the proposal, the prosecution would first present Article 4 on alleged grave threats and inciting to sedition, followed by Article 1 on the alleged misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds, Article 3 on alleged bribery and corruption within the Department of Education, and Article 2 covering unexplained wealth, falsified SALNs, and continued business interests.
Alonto Adiong said the sequencing reflects both trial strategy and considerations of public comprehension.
“Hindi lang po ang Senado ang nag-e-evaluate at nag-a-assess ng ebidensya, pati na rin ang publiko,” he said, noting that beginning with the threats-related article would allow the public to more easily follow the case, given the circulation of related video evidence.
Atty. Benjamin S. Tolosa Jr., legal spokesperson for the private prosecution team, said the grave threats article is expected to be less procedurally complex, while other charges may require additional court processes, including subpoenas for hostile witnesses.
He added that the unexplained wealth charge was placed last due to the volume of documentary evidence it involves.
The prosecution emphasized that the proposed sequence is not binding and may still be revised by the impeachment court as proceedings continue.