The House prosecution panel will await the Senate impeachment court’s decision on whether to formally conclude its presentation of evidence in three articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, House prosecutor Joel Chua said Monday.
Chua said the presentation for Article I, which concerns the alleged misuse of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), remains open following advice from the presiding officer against formally resting the prosecution’s case.
“Sinabihan kami or binigyan kami ng payo ng presiding officer na huwag muna kaming mag-rest. So as we speak, yung Article 1 ay nakabukas pa ang pinto. So sa madaling salita, hindi pa namin naisasara,” Chua said.
He explained that the prosecution could not yet make a formal offer of evidence because the court may still require additional witnesses to testify.
Among those recommended to be summoned are Colonels Raymund Lachica and Raymund Nolasco, security officers of Duterte who allegedly received confidential funds from the OVP and DepEd.
Chua said the prosecution is prepared to comply with whatever decision the impeachment court makes regarding the next steps in the proceedings.
Under the impeachment calendar, Monday marks the final day of Season 1 of the trial. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on November 9 to determine the schedule for the presentation of witnesses and evidence by Duterte’s defense team.
