The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday declined to stipulate to a disputed 11-day period involving the disbursement of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), saying the matter requires further examination.

During the post-trial press conference, Defense lawyer Atty. Michael Poa said the panel agreed to stipulate on certain documentary stamps and official records, but withheld consent on the 11-day timeline cited by the prosecution.

“Sa atin yung 11 days kasi may mga explanation ‘yan. May maaari tayong gawin na cross examination dyan. So, hindi muna tayo pumayag sa stipulation doon,” Poa told reporters.

He said the defense did not dispute the authenticity of several documents submitted to the Commission on Audit (COA), including audit observation memoranda (AOMs) and notices of suspension, describing them as official COA records.

However, Poa said the defense refused to stipulate on acknowledgment receipts tied to the disbursement, which he described as “loose” and consisting of thousands of separate sheets.

“Loose po kasi yan [acknowledgment receipts] eh. They're separate sheets. So we cannot stipulate based on, I think, around 3,000, 4,000 documents,” he said.

“We really have to protect rin naman po the rights of our client.”

Poa emphasized that while the defense is open to stipulations where appropriate, it must take a “hard line” on documents that require closer scrutiny due to their volume and nature.

“Wala kaming sinasabi na baka may pineke or something, pero ang sinasabi natin is hindi natin alam,” he added.

The issue arose as both sides sought to streamline proceedings by agreeing on uncontested facts and documents, a common practice in impeachment trials to expedite the presentation of evidence.

The impeachment trial of Duterte adjourned its 11th session on August 3 and will resume the following day, with the prosecution seeking to establish alleged misuse of confidential funds under Article I of the complaint.