The defense of Vice President Sara Duterte said Tuesday it was prepared to address any new evidence that may be presented in the impeachment trial, including possible evidence involving the Department of Education’s (DepEd) use of confidential funds in 2023.
Atty. Michael Poa, speaking at a press conference after the 14th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, said the defense would deal with the matter if it arises.
“Well, we'll just address it when it happens. If it will happen, di ba? You never know what can happen nowadays,” Poa said.
Poa was responding to questions about earlier testimony that the DepEd had received credit notices related to its use of confidential funds in the first and second quarters of 2023.
COA-ICFAO Supervising Auditor Xylene Mae del Campo had said the issue could potentially be reopened if new evidence emerges.
Poa said the defense was ready to respond but suggested that the full presentation of evidence by both sides would provide a clearer picture of their position.
“With this impeachment trial, with the prosecution and the defense presenting its evidence later on, you will also get a better picture kung ano ba talaga ang mga depensa namin, ano ba talaga ang mga rason kung bakit sinasabi namin na walang pagwawaldas na ginamit, na nangyari sa paggamit ng confidential funds,” he said.
Poa also defended the prosecution’s decision to highlight names of alleged recipients of confidential funds, saying both sides were expected to emphasize evidence they believed would have the most impact.
“I don't see anything wrong with that kasi siyempre kung nag-represent ng ebidensya, you will use yung sa tingin mo that will give the most impact,” he said.
“And expect that the defense will also do the same,” Poa added, saying the defense saw no problem with the prosecution’s approach as long as the evidence was assessed objectively.
During Tuesday’s impeachment proceedings, the prosecution presented additional names appearing on acknowledgment receipts that allegedly received confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Among those were aliases named Pia Piatos-Lim, Matthew N. Keso, Beth Revilla, Miggy Mango and Clarisse Hontiveros.
The names were presented as part of the prosecution’s evidence concerning the liquidation and use of confidential funds by the OVP.
The impeachment trial is examining allegations surrounding the use of confidential funds by the OVP and the DepEd during Duterte’s tenure as vice president and education secretary.
