Poa: Marcos SALN shown in trial only to test witness’ argument

Defense counsel Michael Poa said Monday that presenting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial was meant to test the prosecution witness’ argument on divestment, and not to make a political attack on the president. "It has nothing to do with making a political attack on the President," Poa stressed, explaining that the SALN presentation was a tactic to question the credibility of the testimony. This development suggests a critical juncture in the impeachment trial concerning the veracity of the witness's statements and the strategic maneuvers of the parties involved. The use of SALNs in the Philippines is a crucial mechanism for ensuring accountability among public officials, though their presentation and timing can often become subjects of political maneuvering. This case illustrates how personal information of top leaders can be utilized in a public trial to establish the legitimacy of testimony. The matter highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in Philippine politics while also raising discussions about the handling of evidence in legal proceedings.