Will Duterte answer issues if subpoenaed? Expect the unexpected – Ortega

Vice President Sara Duterte (left) and Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V. — File photos MANILA, Philippines — Should the plan to call Vice President Sara Duterte as a witness for her own impeachment trial push through, does the prosecution panel expect her to finally, properly address the issues hounding her over the years? For Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V, it might be best to expect the unexpected with Duterte. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Ortega and Manila Rep. Joel Chua were asked about the prosecution’s revelation that they are forgoing the presentation 15 witnesses for Article I in lieu of Duterte — particularly whether they expect any sensible answer from the Vice President considering that she has been critical of the prosecution and even the senator-judges. Article continues after this advertisement “Well that is not new (attacking the Senate), she seems to have her own set of rules. So I think it’s safer to say you still expect the unexpected from her, even if she (attends),” Ortega told reporters. READ: Kapunan: Prosecution panel to call VP Sara Duterte to witness stand “Because usually her answers have been impertinent, she has not answered questions directly or in a factual way, she doesn’t do that. Her answers seem to be more of preaching to a choir, that is how it is. So I cannot say how she will answer,” he added. Chua, a member of the public prosecution panel, said that regardless of whether Duterte will properly answer questions, their goal remains the same — to present evidence for all Articles of Impeachment. “Well, whether she will answer it properly or not, our job as the prosecution panel is to present the evidence for each article and for senator-judges to see the evidence that we want to present,” Chua said. Article continues after this advertisement “We have to remember that the impeachment is not only intended for the senator-judges. This is for the people to understand what are the pieces of evidence that we have laid down,” he added. During a manifestation at Tuesday’s trial before the Senate Impeachment Court, counsel for the prosecution Lorna Kapunan said that they will no longer present other witnesses for Article I or the allegation of confidential fund (CF) misuse in Duterte’s office, and instead reserve the right to summon the Vice President later during the proceedings. Article continues after this advertisement When asked by Presiding Officer and Senator-judge Francis Escudero if they will ask for a subpoena for Duterte, Kapunan explained that they will not yet seek one since they will be calling the Vice President at the end of the presentation of all articles. Chua, meanwhile, clarified that they cannot prevent Duterte from exercising her constitutional right against self-incrimination. However, the prosecution believes there is no better witness for all the issues than Duterte herself. And whether Duterte shows up or not, Chua believes they can secure a conviction with the magnitude of evidence presented. “Insofar as the two articles that we have presented, Article IV or the grave threat allegations and the Article I on confidential funds which we have recently finished, we believe that we have properly presented the evidence we want to present, for the senator-judges to see, and for the people to appreciate,” he said. “So as we move to the other articles, our people can expect the same, that we will present what we need to present,” he added. Chua also thinks Duterte’s testimony will not harm their case as they will have the chance to cross examine her, should the Senate Impeachment Court grant their request for a subpoena. A total of twelve witnesses have been presented by the prosecution panel for Article I, including several past and present personnel from Duterte’s offices. For example, former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta was asked about the office’s disbursement of CFs. Acosta testified before the Senate Impeachment Court that Duterte ordered her to hand the funds to Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, former head of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG). OVP Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio was asked the same thing, while former Education Undersecretary Michael Poa was quizzed regarding the CF utilization by the Department of Education (DepEd), and the decision of DepEd SDO Edward Fajarda to hand over the funds to former VPSPG deputy chief Col. Dennis Nolasco. READ: Poa admits he never saw DepEd’s vault for confidential documents Despite their different roles, all three admitted that it is Duterte, along with Lachica for OVP and Nolasco for DepEd, who knows how the secret funds were spent. READ: Asst. chief of staff: Duterte knows, authorized all activities on confi funds The prosecution has finished presenting evidence and witnesses for Article IV or the allegation that Duterte betrayed public trust when she threatened President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives. Previously, lead public prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said they are looking to wrap up discussions for Article I by Wednesday, September 9. But with the development, there will be no trial on Wednesday, with the day being devoted instead to the marking of additional evidence. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. With the prosecution wrapping up, for now, Article I, the panel is expected to proceed to Article II or Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth by Monday, Sept. 14. /das