NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
'Roadmap Or Labyrinth?' Ortega Questions VP Sara Defense Filing Ahead Of Impeachment Trial
Photo credit: Congress PH
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Wednesday raised concerns over the pre-trial brief submitted by the legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte, questioning whether the document was meant to clarify the issues in the impeachment case or make them more difficult to understand.
According to Ortega, a pre-trial brief is supposed to serve as a guide for both the court and the public by laying out the issues, evidence, and arguments that each side intends to present during the proceedings.
“A pre-trial brief is supposed to be a roadmap,” Ortega said, adding that after reviewing the filing, he was left wondering whether it functioned more like a labyrinth than a guide.
The lawmaker noted that several witnesses and documentary exhibits listed in the defense filing were described in broad and general terms, making it difficult to determine what specific points they were intended to prove.
For Ortega, the public is less concerned about legal jargon and more interested in answers to questions that have surrounded the controversy for months. He said many Filipinos want clarity on issues involving the alleged use of public funds, confidential funds, and other financial matters that have become subjects of public discussion.
“The Filipino people are asking straightforward questions,” Ortega said, stressing that citizens deserve explanations backed by evidence.
He argued that rather than narrowing the issues, the filing appears to leave many questions unanswered. A pre-trial brief, he said, should help identify disputed facts and provide a clearer picture of where the case is headed.
Despite his criticism, Ortega emphasized that Duterte has every constitutional right to defend herself and present evidence before the impeachment court. He said the House prosecution panel welcomes the opportunity to hear the Vice President’s explanations, witnesses, and supporting documents during the trial.
According to Ortega, the impeachment proceedings remain the proper venue to address the allegations and provide the public with answers.
“The public has waited for months,” he said. “They have heard allegations and denials. What they want now are explanations supported by evidence.”
As preparations continue for the impeachment trial, Ortega maintained that transparency and accountability should remain at the center of the proceedings, saying Filipinos deserve clear answers rather than further confusion about the issues being raised.
According to Ortega, a pre-trial brief is supposed to serve as a guide for both the court and the public by laying out the issues, evidence, and arguments that each side intends to present during the proceedings.
“A pre-trial brief is supposed to be a roadmap,” Ortega said, adding that after reviewing the filing, he was left wondering whether it functioned more like a labyrinth than a guide.
The lawmaker noted that several witnesses and documentary exhibits listed in the defense filing were described in broad and general terms, making it difficult to determine what specific points they were intended to prove.
For Ortega, the public is less concerned about legal jargon and more interested in answers to questions that have surrounded the controversy for months. He said many Filipinos want clarity on issues involving the alleged use of public funds, confidential funds, and other financial matters that have become subjects of public discussion.
“The Filipino people are asking straightforward questions,” Ortega said, stressing that citizens deserve explanations backed by evidence.
He argued that rather than narrowing the issues, the filing appears to leave many questions unanswered. A pre-trial brief, he said, should help identify disputed facts and provide a clearer picture of where the case is headed.
Despite his criticism, Ortega emphasized that Duterte has every constitutional right to defend herself and present evidence before the impeachment court. He said the House prosecution panel welcomes the opportunity to hear the Vice President’s explanations, witnesses, and supporting documents during the trial.
According to Ortega, the impeachment proceedings remain the proper venue to address the allegations and provide the public with answers.
“The public has waited for months,” he said. “They have heard allegations and denials. What they want now are explanations supported by evidence.”
As preparations continue for the impeachment trial, Ortega maintained that transparency and accountability should remain at the center of the proceedings, saying Filipinos deserve clear answers rather than further confusion about the issues being raised.
Jun 17, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
