Kapunan: Evidence filed early to prevent delays in Nov. 9 VP trial

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel filed its formal offer of evidence on Tuesday, deliberately ahead of the Oct. 23 deadline to prevent procedural delays from disrupting the resumption of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial on Nov. 9, according to private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan.

“It hasn’t been a break for us, really, because, as everybody knows, we have a 10-day deadline to file our formal offer on the remaining article, which is unexplained wealth. And we filed it today [Tuesday],” Kapunan told anchor Pinky Webb in her show “On Point” on Bilyonaryo News Channel.

The early filing would allow the defense to begin the 10 days set by the impeachment court for submitting comments and objections sooner, giving the impeachment court more time to resolve evidentiary issues before the next hearing.

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READ: Prosecutors file formal offer of evidence in Sara Duterte trial

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She said the prosecution remained busy preparing its submission despite the three-week recess after it ended its presentation of evidence.

The Senate impeachment had given prosecutors until Oct. 23 to formally submit the documentary and other evidence supporting the second impeachment article, the only remaining impeachment charge fte the prosecution withdrew the three other articles — on confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats.

READ: Prosec drops all but unexplained wealth charge vs Duterte

The formal offer identifies the exhibits the prosecution wants the senator-judges to admit and consider, including financial records and testimony concerning assets, corporate interests, and transactions allegedly involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

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After the defense submits its comments and objections, the impeachment court must determine which evidence may be admitted.

“Because, Pinky, sorry — because after the — after they submit comments, the presiding office will still have time to decide, which gets us so close to the Nov. 9 trial, and we don’t want it as an excuse,” Kapunan stressed.

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Kapunan also pointed out that defense was required to identify its witnesses five days before the trial resumes, saying the schedule leaves little room for delays.

“Because five days before the trial, they have to name their witnesses. Five days before the trial,” Kapunan said.

The advance disclosure of witnesses will help facilitate the issuance of subpoenas and allow the prosecution to prepare for cross-examination, she said.

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The defense, however, retains the right to challenge the evidence, and the impeachment court must rule on its admissibility before proceeding with the remaining charge, she added. /atm