Prosecution Rejects VP Sara's 'Bending the Law' Claim in Impeachment

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel has rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that the impeachment proceedings had been marred by “bending the law,” saying there’s no reason to halt the Senate trial. Duterte had questioned the House proceedings as well as the Senate’s arrangement involving its presiding officers while discussing reports of possible disruption to her trial. The prosecution panel, however, cited the Supreme Court’s dismissal of petitions to stop the impeachment trial on the basis of being moot. “Clearly, there is no reason for these impeachment proceedings not to proceed, which are now pending before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court,” prosecution spokesman Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said. Addressing Duterte’s reference to two individuals occupying the elevated platform during the trial, Tolosa said the designation and duties of the presiding officers were matters within the Senate’s institutional authority. “Both parties agree that the presiding officer has been conducting and presiding over these proceedings in a fair, equitable manner,” he said. The prosecutors said the real issue currently before the Senate is the evidence regarding the use and liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd). House prosecution adviser and spokesman Robert Ace Barbers said the OVP and DepEd had been given ample opportunities during the audit process to submit additional records and address the findings. “This is the perfect and the most opportune time for the Vice President to clear her name by showing evidence, showing documents compliant with the joint circular,” Barbers said. Prosecution spokesperson and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co said the proper response to the allegations is a defense supported by records. “As it stands, we have no clear explanation why there were so many anomalies in the submitted audit reports for OVP and DepEd confidential and intelligence fund spending,” she stressed. Co also took exception to Duterte’s statements, saying that she has only to look at her own issues on confidential use to see a demonstration of the laws being bent for her benefit. Tolosa said it was very troubling to hear the Vice President describe the impeachment proceedings as “magulo” (rowdy) and “bending the law,” as such statements cast doubt on the integrity of the trial, which is a constitutional process.