Photo credit: Congress PH

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Monday called out the defense camp of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, urging them to stop relying on social media narratives and instead present concrete evidence and witnesses in response to the impeachment allegations.

Ortega’s statement comes as the House prosecution panel continues preparing documents and witnesses linked to the Articles of Impeachment filed against Sara Z. Duterte. The case has drawn intense political debate both inside Congress and online, with supporters and critics trading accusations across various platforms.

“Hindi ito palakasan ng sigaw sa social media. Hindi ito paramihan ng vlog. Hindi ito pataasan ng ihi. Ang impeachment trial ay tungkol sa ebidensya at mga testigong handang tumestigo sa ilalim ng panunumpa,” Ortega said.

He emphasized that the prosecution is focusing on building its case through formal legal preparation rather than public messaging or online engagement.

“We are preparing for trial, not for trending topics. We are preparing documents, witnesses, and evidence—not social media campaigns,” he added.

Ortega also pointed out that while there have been numerous online statements, leaks, and commentary coming from Duterte supporters, the defense has yet to publicly present witnesses or documentary evidence that directly addresses the allegations raised in the impeachment complaint.

“Hanggang ngayon, wala pa kaming nakikitang malinaw na mga testigo o matitibay na ebidensya na inilalatag ng depensa para mapawalang-sala si Vice President Sara Z. Duterte sa mga akusasyong kinakaharap niya,” Ortega said.

He added that the public is still waiting for clear answers from the defense side amid the heated discourse online.

“Marami kaming nakikitang ingay. Marami kaming nakikitang propaganda. Marami kaming nakikitang pagtatangka na ilihis ang usapan. Pero ang tanong ng taumbayan ay simple: Sino ang mga testigong magpapaliwanag? Nasaan ang mga dokumentong magpapabulaan sa mga alegasyon? Ano ang ebidensyang magpapatunay na walang nagawang mali ang Bise Presidente?” Ortega asked.

Ortega stressed that the impeachment court—or any Senate proceeding should it move forward—will not be influenced by online narratives but by sworn testimony and verified documents.

“Hindi memes ang ebidensya. Hindi vlog ang testimonya. Hindi fake news ang depensa. Sa impeachment court, dokumento at testigo ang nagsasalita,” he said.

The deputy speaker also said the prosecution remains open to any evidence the defense may present, stressing that due process allows both sides to fully argue their case.

“Kung may ebidensya silang magpapawalang-sala sa Bise Presidente, ilatag nila. Kung may mga testigo silang magpapaliwanag at sasagot sa mga tanong ng bayan, iharap nila. Iyan naman ang layunin ng paglilitis,” he said.

The impeachment process involving Duterte has become one of the most closely watched political developments in the country, reflecting deep divisions in public discourse that have increasingly spilled into social media.

For Ortega, however, the direction is clear: the case will ultimately be decided not by online engagement, but by the strength of evidence presented in formal proceedings.

“Sa huli, hindi social media ang magdedesisyon. Hindi trolls. Hindi influencers. Hindi malicious leaks. Ang magdedesisyon ay ang impeachment court batay sa mga ebidensya at testimonya na ihaharap ng magkabilang panig,” Ortega said.

“The prosecution remains focused on one thing: presenting the facts. We will not be distracted by false narratives, malicious leaks, or fake news designed to confuse the public. Sa dulo, katotohanan pa rin ang mananaig,” Ortega added.