Defense lawyer Atty. Jose “Judd” Roy II said the prosecution currently has the upper hand in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing the strength of evidence presented during the first few weeks of proceedings.

Speaking Monday on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” Roy said the prosecution appears ahead at this stage as it carries the burden of proof in the trial.

“Kung doon sa nilalaman, siguradong lamang ngayon sa panahong ito ang prosekusyon,” Roy said.

“Remember sa panahong ito, burden of proof sa prosecution, kailangan silang maglabas ng mga ebidensya na pag hindi nasangga o hindi nasagot, mako-convict ang bise presidente.”

Roy stressed, however, that it remains premature to fully evaluate the defense’s performance since the trial is still in the prosecution’s presentation phase.

“Hindi pa panahon ng depensa so wala pa silang nilalabas, nagtatanong lang,” he added.

He noted that the prosecution has presented witnesses whose testimonies are difficult to challenge, including agents from the National Bureau of Investigation, lawyers, and officials from key government institutions.

“Tingnan mo naman yung prosekusyon ang nilalabas ay NBI agents, mga abogado, mahirap tibagin yung mga testimonya na yan,” Roy said.

Despite this, Roy observed that the defense team has begun refining its approach during the hearings.

“Noong primero medyo mabigat ang dating ng depensa, masyadong technical at parang galit,” he said.

“Ngayon medyo pino na at pag hindi na kailangan, hindi na nagtatanong. Mas nagegets na nila ang inaasaan ng publiko,” the lawyer added.

The Senate impeachment court resumes the impeachment trial proceedings on Monday, August 3 in the case involving allegations of misuse of confidential funds against the vice president.