The House prosecution team expects the defense panel of Vice President Sara Duterte to submit its list of witnesses either Wednesday or Thursday, ahead of the resumption of the impeachment trial on Monday, November 9.
According to the report of DZRH's Milky Rigonan, House Prosecutor Terry Ridon said the prosecution anticipates a shorter defense presentation following the withdrawal of three impeachment articles, leaving only Article II, which concerns alleged unexplained wealth.
Ridon maintained that the prosecution's evidence remains strong regardless of whether Duterte personally takes the witness stand, stressing that the senator-judges should decide the case based on the merits of the evidence and testimonies presented before the impeachment court.
He also cited the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which found that 78 percent of respondents believe it is important for the Vice President to personally testify in the impeachment trial.
According to Ridon, the survey indicates public interest in hearing Duterte's defense and explanation regarding the allegations against her.
The House prosecutor also assured that the prosecution team is fully prepared for the resumption of proceedings, saying the Vice President's camp still has several issues to address concerning the alleged unexplained wealth of Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.
Watch the full report here:
