Vice President Sara Duterte’s lead defense counsel Sheila Sison on Tuesday questioned the prosecution’s suggestion that the defense use other platforms to present its evidence to the public after prosecutors moved to withdraw three of the four articles of impeachment against Duterte.
During the 39th day of the impeachment trial, Sison criticized the prosecution’s proposal, saying it was unacceptable after prosecutors had spent 38 days presenting witnesses and evidence against the vice president.
“Does the prosecution really want the respondent na punta lang ang respondent sa Facebook?” Sison asked, questioning whether the defense was expected to turn to social media to present its side after the prosecution had presented witnesses who, she said, could damage Duterte’s reputation.
Sison said the prosecution’s decision to withdraw three articles should not dictate how the defense presents its case.
She stressed that the prosecution must stand or fall on its own evidence and that any consequences of dropping the charges should be borne by the prosecution, not the defense.
The defense counsel also pointed to the time and government resources spent on the proceedings, arguing that the withdrawal of the three articles should be considered a reason to dismiss the entire impeachment case.
Sison warned that the trial’s outcome would set an example for the public, saying the proceedings could establish a precedent for how other Filipinos might be treated if they faced similar accusations.
“Ito ang ehemplo at modelo na sinasabi natin sa mamamayang Pilipino na pwede itong gawin sa bise presidente ninyo, kaya pwede rin itong gawin sa kahit kanino sa inyo kapag kayo ang naharap sa isang pagsasakdal.”
Prosecution lead representative Gerville Luistro clarified that her suggestion about other platforms was based on Duterte’s own practice of discussing matters related to the trial during press conferences rather than appearing personally before the impeachment court.
Luistro said the prosecution was referring to alternative platforms only if the defense’s intention was to share publicly its evidence supporting its position.
“Instead of appearing in person before the impeachment court, she [Sara Duterte] is stating a lot of things which have direct relation to the trial during presscon.”
The impeachment court, through Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero, accepted the prosecution’s manifestation to withdraw three of the four articles of impeachment against Duterte.
The three articles the prosecution sought to drop concern confidential funds, bribery and corruption, and grave threats. The remaining article will proceed in accordance with the court’s actions.
