A House leader said prosecutors are fully prepared for any strategy the defense may adopt in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Speaking at a news forum, Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said the prosecution team has anticipated multiple scenarios, including possible shifts in witness presentation and trial tactics.
“Sa tingin ko lahat ng scenarios pinaghandaan naman ng prosecutors natin,” he said.
The remark was made when asked about reports that the Vice President was not included in the defense panel’s initial list of possible witnesses submitted during Senate impeachment court pre-trial proceedings.
The House leader declined to comment on the defense’s legal strategy but said prosecutors are ready for any development once the trial proceeds.
“I don’t know if that’s the willing strategy ng defense, pero naniniwala ako na handa ‘yung prosecutors kung ano man,” he said.
He also noted that the defense may adopt unconventional approaches during the proceedings, including moves that could affect the pace of the trial.
“Malamang maraming unconventional strategies ang gagawin ng defense diyan,” he said.
He added that some of these approaches may be intended to prolong proceedings, but stressed that the prosecution is prepared to respond.
“Nakikita po natin parang may mga, siguro sabihin na natin may konting paraan para mas humaba o ma-delay man ito,” he said.
“Pero nakahanda po ‘yung prosecutors natin. They’re very well prepared,” he added.
He said House prosecutors have completed both individual and coordinated preparations, with teams assigned to specific Articles of Impeachment.
“May individual preparations po sila at saka may group preparations po per article,” he said.
The House prosecution panel, led by Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, is set to present evidence and witnesses supporting the four Articles of Impeachment when the Senate trial begins on July 6.
The prosecution team earlier said it has prepared documentary evidence and multiple witnesses to support the charges filed against Duterte.