MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives' prosecution panel said the evidence presented against Vice President Sara Duterte after 34 days of impeachment proceedings would be difficult to refute, as the case awaits the defense’s presentation of its own evidence and witnesses.
“These are not mere accusations thrown into the air. These are pieces of evidence placed before the Impeachment Court. They are there for the senator-judges to examine, weigh and decide on,” House prosecution panel adviser and spokesman Ace Barbers said in a statement on Friday.
Barbers said the prosecution had presented documents, financial records and witness testimonies that the defense must directly address.
“The evidence will speak for itself,” he said, arguing that political rhetoric, diversion and personal attacks would not overturn the findings presented before the impeachment court.
With the prosecution having laid out its case, Barbers said the final decision rested with the senator-judges, whom he urged to assess the evidence rather than be swayed by politics, personalities or pressure.
The defense panel has yet to present its own evidence and witnesses to counter the prosecution’s case.
