Defense counsel Atty. Kristine Ferrer described the prosecution’s presentation on the alleged misuse of confidential funds as “theories” and “sound bites” during the 18th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday, August 25.
Ferrer made the statement in response to private prosecutor Atty. Mae Divinagracia’s presentation of 11 points concerning the alleged use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
According to Ferrer, the matters raised by the prosecution were conclusions that had yet to be established through evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
“The 11 items that were mentioned by the prosecution are all conclusions of fact and law, Your Honor. Actually, they are mere speculations and conjectures, not being proven before this honorable court, and they are all theories. With all due respect, sound bites, Your Honor,” Ferrer said.
Despite the defense’s objections, Ferrer said the legal team would proceed with questioning the witness to examine the prosecution’s allegations.
“Nevertheless, we will cross-examine the witness to verify the allegations or disprove the allegations of the prosecution,” she added.
Ferrer’s remarks came as the prosecution continued presenting its case involving confidential funds and the testimony of Office of the Vice President Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio, who was earlier declared a hostile witness.
As a hostile witness, Ortonio may be subjected to leading questions by the prosecution during direct examination.
The prosecution is seeking to establish, among other matters, that the OVP’s confidential funds were not intended for or used for a legitimate confidential public purpose.
The defense, however, maintained that the allegations presented by prosecutors remain unproven and must be established through evidence and testimony before the impeachment court.
The proceedings form part of Article I of Duterte’s impeachment case, which centers on allegations involving the misuse and misappropriation of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP and the Department of Education.
