Prosec to present evidence then decide on calling Duterte to testify

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution will complete the presentation of its evidence before deciding whether to call Vice President Sara Duterte to testify in her impeachment trial, private prosecutor Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. said Saturday.

Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Tolosa said prosecutors will first evaluate Duterte’s declared wealth against her tax filings, official salary, business income, and bank records. He added that prosecutors also want the senator-judges to hear her explanation directly.

“But again, the final decision on that will be made after we present all of our evidence,” Tolosa said.

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READ: Prosecutors trace Sara Duterte’s ₱98.6-M wealth, may call VP to testify

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Addressing questions regarding the possibility of Duterte declining to appear, Tolosa clarified that the prosecution does not require her testimony simply to verify her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), noting that these are official public records.

“So we don’t intend to ask her to testify just to authenticate those,” he said.

Regarding bank documents, Tolosa stated that the prosecution’s pre-trial brief already lists specific witnesses to confirm their validity.

“In our pre-trial brief, we will call bank representatives to identify and authenticate these official records,” he said.

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Tolosa outlined two core comparisons central to the unexplained wealth allegations: determining whether Duterte’s declared wealth aligns with her lawful income, and verifying whether her declared assets reflect her actual holdings.

The prosecution plans to analyze income records from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, government payroll, and private business earnings, alongside bank statements, financial transactions, and property registry records.

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“Is that really the totality of her wealth?” Tolosa asked.

Tolosa noted that Duterte will have the opportunity to respond after the prosecution rests its case, adding that her defense team may also choose to call her as a witness during their presentation.

At the same forum, House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin emphasized that the impeachment trial centers on Duterte’s public accountability, noting that issues regarding other elected officials pertain to their respective actions.

Garin maintained that Congress must fulfill its constitutional duty regardless of public focus on daily economic concerns.

“It is our constitutional mandate, that is our job, and you cannot choose which duties you will perform,” Garin said.

Garin added that public opposition to improper spending must apply consistently across all government operations.

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“If there is accountability and we strongly oppose ghost flood control projects, then naturally we also strongly oppose ghost expenditures or ghost activities in relation to confidential funds,” Garin said.