Defense Objects to Presentation of Corporate Documents in Duterte Impeachment Trial

The defense on Monday objected to the identification and authentication of corporate documents belonging to JTC Group of Companies and Pikimong Pikimong Philippines Corporation, citing an earlier ruling that excluded the two companies from subpoena requests. Defense lawyer Justin Nicol Gular argued that the court had previously ruled these companies were irrelevant as there was no established connection between the respondent, Vice President Sara Duterte, and these corporations. "These companies were not indicated nor alleged in the Articles of Impeachment... and the presiding officer has already ruled in the matter that they are irrelevant as there is no established connection between the respondent and these corporations," Gular stated, asserting the prosecution's move was premature. Prosecution lawyer Erwin Matib countered that a connection between Duterte and the two companies could be established through the witness's testimony. However, Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero noted that the prosecution did not need the witness and could directly present proof of the Vice President's connection. Furthermore, the defense objected to the presentation of audited financial statements, arguing that they were made to appear as if the total amounts belonged to Vice President Sara Duterte personally, and that the document's title was misleading. Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano agreed that incorrect or misleading labels on documents could prejudice the defense. Escudero ultimately ruled that the title of the document should be changed. The trial is hearing evidence on allegations that the Vice President accumulated unexplained wealth, failed to disclose her company ownership interests, and violated the prohibition against engaging in business. Issues of asset disclosure and potential conflicts of interest among high-ranking officials are consistently scrutinized in Philippine politics, and this hearing could influence future standards of political transparency and accountability.