VP Duterte impeachment trial: Prosecution vows evidence based on records, not 'chismis'
Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial formally opened on Monday, July 6, with lead House prosecutor Gerville Luistro saying in her opening statement that the panel will present official records and documentary evidence—not "chismis"—to support its case.
Taking the podium to deliver her opening speech, Luistro explained why the proceedings should take place, emphasizing that it's essential to hold public officials accountable.
"Kung ang ordinaryong Pilipino ay pinapanagot, bakit hindi ang pinakamakapangyarihang opisyal ng pamahalaan?" Luistro said. "May saysay pa ba ang ating pananagutan sa ating bansa?"
In the coming days, Luistro stressed that the prosecution will present only evidence backed by official records.
"Hindi chismis, hindi haka-haka, hindi propaganda, at lalong hindi socmed narrative," she said, noting that they have financial documents, government reports, video recordings, statements under oath, and independent findings of institutions created by law.
The first article of impeachment, according to Luistro, will show that more than P612 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education were disbursed, transferred, and liquidated "under circumstances that cannot withstand scrutiny."
The second impeachment article looks into financial transactions in billions associated with Duterte and her husband, Mans Carpio.
"This article is not about wealth; this is about accountability. This is about explanation. If wealth was lawfully acquired, where is the lawful explanation? If transactions were proper, where is the complete accounting? If numbers truly add up, why do they refuse to reconcile?" Luistro said.
Meanwhile, the third article of impeachment tackles the alleged bribery, graft, and corruption distributed through cash payments and monetary gifts to officials under Duterte's supervision.
"This article isn't simply about envelopes. This is about institution; this is about whether loyalty was purchased rather than earned," the lead prosecutor said. "Kapag nabibili ang katapatan, nawawala ang integridad, at kapag nabibili ang opisyal, nabubudol ang bayan."
The fourth impeachment article "strikes more directly at the heart of Constitutional order," per Luistro. She added that this is where the prosecution will present evidence showing culpable violation of the Constitution, high crime, and betrayal of public trust.
"Unlike in many cases that depend upon competing accounts, this evidence comes substantially from the respondent's own recorded public statements," Luistro said, referring to Duterte's Nov. 23, 2024 midnight Zoom press conference where the VP allegedly made a threat against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
"Public officials may disagree, we may criticize one another, and they may compete fiercely for power—that is democracy. But democracy ends when violence begins." Luistro continued.
Duterte impeachment trial
The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court to open the trial of Duterte on Monday, with senator-judge Chiz Escudero as presiding officer.
The Senate impeachment court has approved a 92-day trial as of writing. Sixty-two trial dates have been set for House of Representatives prosecutors and 30 for Duterte's defense team, according to a 14-page Pre-Trial Order obtained by The Philippine STAR.
According to House prosecutor Chel Diokno, the articles of impeachment will be presented in the following order: fourth article, first article, third article, and second article.
The House lawmakers voted 257 in favor of her impeachment during its first regular session on May 11. Twenty-five voted against it, while nine abstained.
If the Senate impeachment court finds her guilty of the charges, Duterte will be removed from her current post and permanently barred from holding public office.
