The House prosecution panel has expressed strong optimism regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that their confidence is built on “clear evidence of constitutional violations,” rather than guaranteed votes from the Senate.
In a radio interview, House prosecution panel spokesperson Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said they firmly believe that a conviction is within reach, pointing to the substantial evidence brought forward during the trial’s earlier proceedings.
“We are confident. One does not need to be a lawyer to understand that she had actually committed violation in the Constitution. Una, hindi siya nag-divest ng interest niya sa mga negosyo noong siya naging bise presidente,”he said.
“Pangalawa, ang kaniyang submitted BIR record doon sa mga other possible sources na pwede niyang pagkunan other than her salary, kumuha din siya ng sweldo sa Davao City for two consecutive SALN,” Adiong added.
During the hearings, the prosecution presented as witnesses Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura, who detailed suspicious transactions, and forensic financial analyst Alexander Cabrera, who reviewed tax, corporate, and financial records.
According to Cabrera’s findings, there were P817.87 million in undeclared assets and income associated with Duterte and her husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio, between 2022 and 2025.
The panel also presented evidence on the alleged mismanagement of confidential funds during her time as the head of the Department of Education.
Rather than citing expected votes, Adiong emphasized that Duterte’s own Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) provides the strongest foundation for the prosecution’s case.
“It’s already a violation again. So you don’t need to be an expert and be a constitutional expert for that matter to understand what the vice president did and what the vice president declared in her SALN,” he explained.
Streamlined strategy
Addressing the panel’s decision to drop three of their five impeachment articles, Adiong acknowledged the inherent risks of leaving the Senate with only one article to rule upon.
“Pero ito kasi isa lang ang magiging paksa ng mga senator-judges na kanilang ipagbobotohan. So it’s now or never, parang ganoon ang interpretation ko doon,” he said.
While pursuing multiple articles would have offered alternative paths to a conviction, Adiong explained that the prosecution factored in the risk of the trial dragging into the following year and the potential for “impeachment fatigue.”
Ultimately, securing a conviction on the remaining article is enough to permanently remove Duterte from office and disqualify her from holding future public posts.
