Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team may face difficulties in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial, according to House Committee on Justice Chairperson Gerville Luistro.
Speaking during a forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Luistro said the evidence presented during impeachment hearings at the House of Representatives was extensive and could pose a challenge for Duterte’s legal camp.
Luistro specifically pointed to alleged discrepancies between findings from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
The lawmaker said she does not yet know what strategy Duterte’s camp may use once the impeachment proceedings move to the Senate impeachment court.
Despite this, Luistro stressed that the vice president would still have the opportunity to answer the allegations and dispute the evidence during the Senate trial.
She noted that the proceedings could either lead to Duterte’s conviction or acquittal, depending on the outcome of the trial.
Meanwhile, Luistro said she expects members of the House of Representatives to maintain the same unity shown during committee hearings once the Articles of Impeachment reach the plenary for voting.
The House is expected to conduct nominal voting, where lawmakers will publicly declare whether they support or oppose the impeachment complaint against the vice president.
The impeachment process against Duterte continues to draw national attention as lawmakers prepare for the next stage of proceedings in Congress.
