The defense panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte said it intends to streamline the proceedings by avoiding unnecessary disputes over official documents, while acknowledging that more extensive questioning may be unavoidable as the case progresses.
Speaking during a press conference after the 10th day of the impeachment trial on Wednesday, Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said the defense would refrain from challenging matters that are not essential to the case.
“Sa amin naman po hangga't makakaya kung pwede namang hindi na kuwestiyunin ng mga bagay-bagay in terms of official documents, hindi na rin namin gagawin ng defense team,” Poa said.
Poa noted, however, that the proceedings could become more complicated once discussions involve the Commission on Audit (COA), as the prosecution is expected to raise more issues to support its case.
“Pero siyempre mas masalimuot pagdating sa COA because I'm sure mas maraming tanong din ang may ilalabas ng prosecution ukol dyan to make their case,” he said.
He added that the defense would respond accordingly to the prosecution's arguments but expressed hope that the impeachment trial would not be unnecessarily prolonged.
“At siyempre tayo, we will also have to react accordingly. But I'm still hoping na hindi na tayo ganun kahaba. It will depend on how the proceedings go,” Poa said.
Poa emphasized that the defense's strategy is to focus only on issues that are necessary to address and avoid dwelling on minor matters.
“What I can say is kung hindi naman kinakailangan, hindi na rin namin masyadong hihimayin pa para naman hindi tayo petty,” he added.
The remarks came after the Senate impeachment court concluded its 10th day of hearings, which focused on Article I of the impeachment complaint concerning the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Witnesses from the Land Bank of the Philippines testified on the processing and release of cash withdrawals linked to the confidential funds under scrutiny.
