Manila: The House prosecution panel announced its intention to conclude the presentation of evidence regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's use of confidential funds by September 9. This decision comes as the impeachment court aims to streamline proceedings through stipulations and careful examination of witnesses.
According to Philippines News Agency, House of Representatives lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro revealed that the prosecution is seeking agreements with the defense on certain facts to avoid lengthy testimonies. Luistro stated, "We plan to finish the presentation of evidence for confidential fund until Sept. 9th, this coming Wednesday," emphasizing that this target is contingent upon the defense's acceptance of a reasonable number of proposed stipulations.
A proposed stipulation, already submitted to the impeachment court, involves Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Assistant National Statistician Marissa Grande. She is slated to be the prosecution's 11th witness. The stipulations cover the authenticity of PSA documents used to verify civil registry records related to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd).
These records include verification letters, certifications, and certified civil registry documents issued in 2024 and 2026, as well as omnibus certifications concerning names from the OVP and DepEd. Presiding Officer Senator Francis Escudero commented that the court will evaluate the necessity of witness testimonies if the facts have already been adequately proven. "If it is relevant and if there is still a need to do so, to offer a witness for that particular purpose if it is sufficiently established already from the point of view of the court," Escudero clarified.
The court has issued subpoenas for several individuals, including Marissa Grande, Police Major Jovelyne Maggay, Attorney Sunshine Fajarda, and Bresilo Sabaldan from the Commission on Audit's Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office, for hearings scheduled from September 7 to 9.
In a related development, the prosecution is considering waiving the testimony of former DepEd special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda due to his medical condition, provided stipulations can be agreed upon. Luistro expressed sympathy for Fajarda's situation, stating, "It is likewise our intention to excuse him, if possible, from the rigors of being presented in the witness stand."
Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison requested that the proposed stipulations involving Fajarda be submitted in writing, while Escudero noted that Fajarda could be excused from testifying if deemed medically unfit by Senate doctors. The impeachment court is set to resume on Monday, continuing with the prosecution's evidence presentation under Article I.
