Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecution tells Duterte critics to 'listen to evidence' in impeachment trial
House impeachment prosecutors rejected arguments that their case against Vice President Sara Duterte lacks substance, urging the public to carefully examine the testimony and evidence presented during three weeks of trial proceedings.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Rep. Terry Ridon, a lead House impeachment prosecutor, on Thursday dismissed contentions from Vice President Sara Duterte's supporters that the prosecution has failed to establish a decisive case after 21 days of trial hearings.
Ridon directed critics to review the full body of evidence and testimony presented in court, characterizing the "smoking gun" argument as a mischaracterization of the prosecution's work. The impeachment trial has included multiple days of witness testimony and documentary evidence presented before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.
The prosecution's case against the Vice President centers on allegations related to her public statements and administrative actions. Ridon's remarks reflected the prosecution team's confidence in the evidence it has compiled, despite the high threshold required to secure a conviction in an impeachment proceeding.
The trial continues to draw significant public attention in the Philippines, with supporters of both sides closely monitoring the proceedings. The outcome will require a two-thirds majority vote from sitting senators to secure a conviction and removal from office.