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Advocates Philippines
House Prosecutors Confident After Strong Opening In VP Duterte Impeachment Trial
Photo credit: Senate PH
The House prosecution panel expressed confidence after the first day of presenting evidence in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the proceedings unfolded as planned and that they intend to maintain the same momentum in the days ahead.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, House prosecutor and Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor said the team was pleased with how the opening day went, stressing that while the trial is far from over, they were able to present the evidence and statements they had prepared before the Senate impeachment court.
Defensor said the prosecution's strategy was the result of months of preparation. According to him, the team had already decided last year to begin its case with the fourth Article of Impeachment and had carefully anticipated possible legal and procedural issues that could arise during the trial.
He added that the prosecution remains ready for the next stages of the proceedings and will continue presenting its case with the same level of preparation while maintaining respect for the senator-judges.
Tuesday's hearing focused on the fourth Article of Impeachment, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez.
The prosecution's first witness was National Bureau of Investigation Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who authenticated Vice President Duterte's Nov. 23, 2024 online media briefing that allegedly contained the threats. The panel also submitted official government documents as part of its evidence.
Defensor also commended private prosecutor Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan for handling the direct examination of the witness, describing him as an outstanding trial lawyer. He likewise praised Senate Presiding Officer Francis Escudero for conducting the proceedings fairly and ensuring that proper procedures were followed.
According to Defensor, the prosecution has long sought the opportunity to present its evidence not only before the senator-judges but also before the Filipino public as the impeachment trial moves forward.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, House prosecutor and Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor said the team was pleased with how the opening day went, stressing that while the trial is far from over, they were able to present the evidence and statements they had prepared before the Senate impeachment court.
Defensor said the prosecution's strategy was the result of months of preparation. According to him, the team had already decided last year to begin its case with the fourth Article of Impeachment and had carefully anticipated possible legal and procedural issues that could arise during the trial.
He added that the prosecution remains ready for the next stages of the proceedings and will continue presenting its case with the same level of preparation while maintaining respect for the senator-judges.
Tuesday's hearing focused on the fourth Article of Impeachment, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez.
The prosecution's first witness was National Bureau of Investigation Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who authenticated Vice President Duterte's Nov. 23, 2024 online media briefing that allegedly contained the threats. The panel also submitted official government documents as part of its evidence.
Defensor also commended private prosecutor Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan for handling the direct examination of the witness, describing him as an outstanding trial lawyer. He likewise praised Senate Presiding Officer Francis Escudero for conducting the proceedings fairly and ensuring that proper procedures were followed.
According to Defensor, the prosecution has long sought the opportunity to present its evidence not only before the senator-judges but also before the Filipino public as the impeachment trial moves forward.
Jul 8, 2026
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