The House prosecution has been given a maximum of 30 trial days to present its evidence on the alleged misuse and irregular disbursement of confidential funds under Article I of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Private prosecutor and House prosecution legal spokesperson Atty. Benjamin ‘Jay’ Tolosa Jr. said on Thursday the prosecution had already identified its initial witnesses through its motions and manifestations before the Senate Impeachment Court.
‘We have 30 days to present evidence,’ Tolosa said, clarifying that the period represents the maximum time allotted by the impeachment court.
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 confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Tolosa explained that the prosecution is not required to consume the full 30 days, as efforts are underway to streamline the presentation by consolidating testimonies and avoiding repetitive evidence.
He emphasized that while the prosecution intends to maximize efficiency, it will not compromise the completeness of its case.
‘All of us-the public, the impeachment court, and the prosecution-want this trial concluded as swiftly as possible,’ he said.
As part of its opening presentation under Article I, the prosecution will initially call two former Land Bank of the Philippines branch managers to testify on transactions involving the withdrawal of confidential funds. Additional witnesses and documentary evidence are also being prepared to establish the movement, custody, and reported liquidation of the funds.
The 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.
The prosecution is required to disclose its succeeding witnesses at least five days before each scheduled hearing, in accordance with the court’s rules.
Despite the extended timeframe, Tolosa said the prosecution aims to finish its presentation sooner if possible-similar to its approach under Article IV-while ensuring that all relevant evidence is properly presented before the impeachment court.
Tolosa declined to identify which public or private prosecutor would conduct the direct examination of each witness.