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Advocates Philippines
Ortega Says Preparation Kept Prosecution On Track Despite Defense Objections
Photo credit: Congress PH
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said the House prosecution panel remained unfazed by repeated objections from the defense during the second day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, crediting the team's preparation for keeping the proceedings on course.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Ortega said the prosecution came to the Senate impeachment court well-prepared, allowing it to continue presenting witnesses, documents, and video evidence despite challenges raised by the defense.
His remarks came after the defense questioned whether one of the prosecution's witnesses had been following a script. Ortega dismissed the insinuation, saying it is normal for witnesses to be prepared before taking the stand and that such preparation does not undermine their testimony.
During the day's proceedings, the prosecution presented video evidence related to the article of impeachment alleging that Duterte made threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez. The defense, meanwhile, raised several objections and argued that a longer version of the video should be shown.
Ortega also commented on the possibility of the defense seeking relief before the Supreme Court, saying the filing of petitions, including requests for temporary restraining orders, has long been part of its legal strategy. He added that while the defense has every right to pursue available legal remedies, he believes the key procedural issues had already been addressed when the trial began.
The Deputy Speaker likewise reacted to Duterte's appearance at the Senate on Tuesday, saying many initially thought she would attend the impeachment hearing. However, he noted that while the Vice President went to the Senate complex, she did not appear before the impeachment court.
According to Ortega, Duterte missed an opportunity to personally attend the proceedings and address the charges, adding that her presence at the hearing could have allowed her to directly participate in the ongoing trial.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Ortega said the prosecution came to the Senate impeachment court well-prepared, allowing it to continue presenting witnesses, documents, and video evidence despite challenges raised by the defense.
His remarks came after the defense questioned whether one of the prosecution's witnesses had been following a script. Ortega dismissed the insinuation, saying it is normal for witnesses to be prepared before taking the stand and that such preparation does not undermine their testimony.
During the day's proceedings, the prosecution presented video evidence related to the article of impeachment alleging that Duterte made threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez. The defense, meanwhile, raised several objections and argued that a longer version of the video should be shown.
Ortega also commented on the possibility of the defense seeking relief before the Supreme Court, saying the filing of petitions, including requests for temporary restraining orders, has long been part of its legal strategy. He added that while the defense has every right to pursue available legal remedies, he believes the key procedural issues had already been addressed when the trial began.
The Deputy Speaker likewise reacted to Duterte's appearance at the Senate on Tuesday, saying many initially thought she would attend the impeachment hearing. However, he noted that while the Vice President went to the Senate complex, she did not appear before the impeachment court.
According to Ortega, Duterte missed an opportunity to personally attend the proceedings and address the charges, adding that her presence at the hearing could have allowed her to directly participate in the ongoing trial.
Jul 8, 2026
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