House prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua has issued a challenge to the defense team of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, daring her lawyers to move for the dismissal of her impeachment case if they genuinely believe the prosecution’s evidence lacks merit.
“Kung talagang naniniwala sila na wala kaming ebidensyang matibay mag-file sila ng demurrer to evidence,” Chua, who represents Manila’s 3rd District, said during a media forum.
When asked if the prosecution team had outmaneuvered the defense by withdrawing three articles of impeachment, Chua admitted that the decision formed part of their legal approach.
“Well, parte yun talaga ng legal strategy,” Chua said.
Chua dismissed assertions that the Vice President was denied adequate opportunities to respond to allegations regarding her use of confidential funds.
The lawmaker pointed out that prosecutors previously agreed to a framework allowing both sides to present evidence on an article-by-article basis, but the defense opted to oppose the arrangement. Chua noted that such an setup would have enabled the public to weigh the evidence from both parties’ side by side.
He further referenced the 2024 congressional hearings and ongoing Commission on Audit (COA) proceedings, maintaining that documentation and receipts supporting the expenditures should have been submitted during those reviews.
Chua questioned the defense’s failure to present the necessary supporting receipts required to justify the utilization of the funds.
Chua noted that the dispute over the confidential funds is currently pending before the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Kung totoo naman binili mo yan, bakit hindi mo naman mai-produce?” Chua asked.