Manila: The House prosecution panel will present two former Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) branch managers as part of its presentation under Article I of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, which alleges the misuse and irregular disbursement of confidential funds. Private prosecutor and House prosecution legal spokesperson Benjamin "Jay" Tolosa Jr. on Thursday said the prosecution has already identified its initial witnesses through motions and manifestations filed before the Senate impeachment court.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Senate impeachment court has directed former LandBank-Shaw Boulevard branch manager Violeta Constantino and former LandBank-Department of Education (DepEd) branch manager Nenita Camposano to appear when the trial resumes on July 29. Tolosa said the prosecution has also informed the court of its succeeding witnesses. The two former branch managers would be questioned about transactions involving confidential funds withdrawn through their respective LandBank branches.
Article I accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust over the alleged misuse, misappropriation, and irregular disbursement of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education. The allegations remain subject to proof by the prosecution. The defense will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, challenge documentary evidence, and present its own case.
The court has also authorized the prosecution to call Marivic Pareja of the House Legislative Archives and Museum Management Service to identify and authenticate records from earlier congressional proceedings. According to Tolosa, Pareja's testimony will cover House records from previous committee investigations, including transcripts and video recordings related to the confidential funds issue.
Tolosa said the first three witnesses would not necessarily complete the prosecution's presentation under Article I. Preparations are continuing for additional witnesses and documentary evidence to establish the movement, withdrawal, custody, and reported liquidation of the confidential funds. 'Five days before the hearing, we have to disclose the identity of the next witnesses,' Tolosa said.
He declined to identify which member of the prosecution panel would conduct the direct examination of each witness. Tolosa said Article I has been allotted the longest presentation period in the prosecution's trial calendar, with up to 30 days to present evidence. He clarified, however, that the 30-day period is the maximum time allowed and does not necessarily mean the prosecution would use the entire allotment.
Tolosa added that the prosecution aims to shorten its presentation, as it did under Article IV, without compromising the evidence needed for the impeachment court's consideration.
