THE House prosecution panel is racing to finish its presentation of evidence on Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged P612.5-million confidential fund misuse by Sept. 9, as the Senate impeachment court considers whole-day hearings to speed up the trial.
Lead prosecutor Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro told senator-judges Wednesday that the prosecution expects to wrap up the confidential fund evidence on the target date.
The Senate impeachment court is also looking at holding 10 a.m.-to-evening hearings in October, allowing it to hear as many as two or three witnesses a day.
Luistro said prosecutors are seeking ways to shorten their presentation, including possible stipulations with the defense to avoid unnecessary testimony.
One case involves former Department of Education special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda, whose testimony may be dispensed with if both sides agree on sufficient stipulations, particularly in view of his medical condition.
The confidential fund charge involves P500 million at the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million at the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure as education secretary.
The Sept. 9 target, however, covers only Article I of the impeachment complaint. Prosecutors still have to present evidence on Article II, involving alleged unexplained wealth, and Article III, involving alleged bribery.
The prosecution has already completed its evidence presentation on Article IV, which concerns Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Senate Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the proposed whole-day schedule remains tentative and will be finalized after the senator-judges agree on the trial calendar.
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