Atty. Michael Poa, a lawyer in Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team, told the media they are ready to cross-examine Mary Grace Piattos as a witness listed by the House prosecution panel.

“That’s the prerogative of the prosecution, and sa amin nga, parati naming sinasabi na once they’re presented, they will be subjected to cross examination on our part,” Poa said during a press briefing on Thursday.

Mary Grace Piattos, along with names such as Kokoy Villamin and Carlos Miguel Oishi appeared as recipients in Duterte’s confidential funds receipts. The commercial associations of these names, or the circumstances under which the receipts were signed, have led many to believe these to be fake identities.

Poa also said that although the public may expect Duterte to appear in person, her physical appearance is not always necessary. Instead, he emphasized that what is important is her decision to face the allegations against her.

“Pag kinakailangan, bakit hindi naman siya haharap? Kasi parating nating sinasabi na hindi humaharap si Vice President but what we’re doing now is pagharap sa mga alegasyon, hindi ba?” the lawyer said.

On the same day, the House prosecution team confirmed that Mary Grace Piattos was among their list of witnesses. Prosecution Panel member and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon told reporters that Piattos’ existence or non-existence would be a strong indicator of Duterte’s innocence or guilt regarding her alleged misuse of government funds.

“Mahalaga po ‘yung Mary Grace Piattos kasi nasa sentro siya e noong pong kontrobersiya, noong pong paggamit ng confidential funds. ‘Yung existence or non-existence ni Mary Grace Piattos ‘yun pong smoking gun kung talaga nga bang tama o mali ‘yun pong paggamit ng confidential funds,” the lawmaker said.