Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa defended the prosecution’s decision to waive its remaining witnesses for Article I of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying the move should not automatically be interpreted as a sign that the prosecution has no more evidence to present.
Speaking during the defense press conference on Tuesday, September 8, after Day 23 of the trial, Poa said both sides have their own strategies in deciding which witnesses and evidence to present.
“I think unfair naman po yun para sabihin yun sa prosecution. I think may kanya-kanyang strategy talaga yan on both sides,” Poa said.
He explained that a party’s decision not to present another witness does not necessarily mean it has nothing more to offer, but rather that it may believe additional testimony is no longer necessary.
“Hindi mo na ipipresent ang isang witness or hindi ka na magpapresenta ng karagdagang witnesses, ibig sabihin wala ka nang maipresenta… maaaring may maipapresenta ka pa, pero sa tingin mo kasi hindi na kailangan,” he added.
Poa’s remarks came after the prosecution waived its remaining 15 witnesses for Article I, effectively concluding its presentation on the alleged misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds.
The prosecution is expected to proceed to Article II, which concerns allegations of unexplained wealth against Duterte.
