MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives prosecution panel expects to complete its presentation of evidence on the unexplained wealth allegation soon, with a forensic analyst set to connect financial records and other evidence presented before the Senate impeachment court.
Prosecution lead counsel Rep. Gerville Luistro said Wednesday they intended to finish presenting evidence from banks and insurance companies, followed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, before calling the forensic analyst.
“We need to connect the dots,” Luistro said, referring to evidence presented by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office, Land Registration Authority, Anti-Money Laundering Council and financial institutions.
The analyst, she said, would testify on an independent analysis of what transpired based on the evidence presented by the prosecution.
“That is our anticipation, because he will be able to weave these pieces of evidence toward one conclusion. That is what is contained in his forensic report,” Luistro said.
Luistro said the analyst’s report had already been submitted to the impeachment court but declined to give details about the witness’ qualifications, saying he would still have to be qualified before testifying.
Rep. Terry Ridon, another member of the prosecution panel, said the banks and financial institutions should be completed Wednesday or Thursday, followed by insurance companies and the BIR.
The prosecution would then present its financial analyst, Ridon said, adding that the panel expects to rest its case before its Oct. 15, 2-26 target.
Asked whether Vice President Sara Duterte would be called to testify, Ridon said the prosecution was not convinced it needed her testimony.
“I don’t think we need the Vice President,” Ridon said. He added that Duterte had an opportunity to explain several issues during a press conference on Tuesday, but “she did not.”
