The House prosecution panel has asked the Senate impeachment court to allow private prosecutors to examine or cross-examine witnesses in the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
House trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the request is grounded on precedent from past impeachment proceedings and would give prosecutors flexibility in presenting evidence.
“Actually, part dun sa request namin sa court kasi medyo nag-oppose ang defense. Sabi nila, isa lang daw from the public prosecutor yung mag-examine ng witness and also to probably examine yung mga documents,” Alonto Adiong said.
Private prosecutors played major roles in previous impeachment trials, including those of former President Joseph Estrada and former Chief Justice Renato Corona.
“Our request sana is to have the prosecution team an option na magkaroon din ng way ‘yung private prosecutor natin to examine the witness kasi may basis na tayo even during the Corona impeachment,” Alonto Adiong said.
He said private prosecutors were visibly involved in the Corona impeachment trial and were allowed to participate in witness examination.
“Talagang nakita nyo naman po mga private prosecutors na nandyan and they were also able to have the opportunity to also examine the witness,” Alonto Adiong said.
Alonto Adiong said the defense has objected to the request, but the prosecution believes the impeachment court may allow it based on previous practice.
“Parang in-oppose po ‘yun. Ang sabi nila lang po is allow that because we already have that basis,” he said.
He said allowing private prosecutors to take part could benefit both sides by helping clarify issues, test testimony, and assist the court in appreciating the evidence.
“We already have that precedent na nangyari. It would also benefit not only the prosecution but the defense,” Alonto Adiong said.
He clarified that the House panel is not asking for private prosecutors to automatically handle witness examination in every instance.
“We’re not saying that our private prosecutor will be the one to examine the witness. What we’re saying is to have that option and leave option for the prosecutor should there be any need for our private prosecutor to participate by examining or cross-examining,” he said.
Alonto Adiong said many private lawyers volunteered their services because they recognize the public importance of the impeachment trial.
“Well, una-una, it’s the private prosecutors who approach us,” he said.
He said the volunteer lawyers understand that the evidence must be presented and explained to the public through the proper process.
“Kasi they understand that this deserves to be, ang ebidensya, kailangan malaman,” Alonto Adiong said.
Alonto Adiong said the private lawyers are acting both as officers of the court and as citizens who want to help the public understand the case.
“I think as officers of the court, being lawyers, they understand na it’s their civic duty na really to help out,” he said.