The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday criticized the prosecution in her impeachment trial, saying it failed to prove its case, as the vice president prepares to begin presenting her defense on Monday, November 9. Duterte’s spokesperson, Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., said the prosecution had its opportunity to establish its allegations but failed, adding that the vice president would have her chance to respond before the impeachment court. He also defended the importance of due process, saying allegations must be supported by clear and convincing evidence. Panelo’s remarks came a day after private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan said Duterte could provide evidence against herself if she takes the witness stand, citing her demeanor, previous statements, and declarations in her statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALNs).
Kapunan also questioned Duterte’s declared business interests and the alleged P817 million in unexplained wealth, including P776 million in remittances to Cale88 Foods Corporation that she said were not reflected in the couple’s joint SALN. Meanwhile, Duterte’s defense team has identified at least 24 initial witnesses it intends to present when the impeachment trial resumes on Monday at 10 a.m.
