Election lawyer Atty. Romy Macalintal said the effectiveness of evidence in an impeachment pre-trial is not measured by volume but by relevance and strength, warning that excessive documentation could only slow down proceedings in the case involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

Speaking on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” Macalintal said parties should focus on presenting only the most compelling pieces of evidence rather than submitting large volumes of records that may not be material to the case.

“Hindi naman yan sa dami ng dokumento, kahit gaano karami ang document at hindi naman masyado material or relevant eh baka mabalewala lang,” he said.

Macalintal said lawyers and judges typically prioritize evidence that directly establishes liability, adding that unnecessary documentation can confuse issues and prolong hearings.

“Sa mga lawyers, sa mga judges ang hinahanap lang naman nila ay yung talagang material evidence. Yung immediately will point to the guilt of the accused. Yung kapag hinain mo ay walang kaduda-duda na talagang may pagkakasala yung akusado,” he said.

“Kung halimbawa napakadami mong dokumento pagkatapos eh kung saan-saan pumupunta ang issue eh baka lalong maguluhan ang taong bayan,” Macalintal added.

He added that the prosecution must be selective and strategic in presenting its case, emphasizing that clarity and relevance are more important than quantity.

Lawyers, he said, are guided by the principle that a case should rely on the strength of its own evidence rather than the weaknesses of the opposing side.

“Dapat tandaan ng prosecution na it should rely on the strength of its own evidence and not on the weakness of the evidence of the defense,” he said.