VP Duterte's defense team has no grounds to sidestep evidence, prosecutor says

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte's defense counsel should have no justification for avoiding the prosecution's evidence that has already been submitted to the Senate impeachment court, according to private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan. In a statement released Friday, Kapunan emphasized that the court had previously ruled on the admissibility of critical evidence presented in the case, suggesting the defense team is prepared to address the material evidence when proceedings resume on November 9.

Kapunan's remarks come as the high-profile impeachment trial continues to draw significant public attention. The prosecutor's statement indicates that key evidentiary matters have already been settled by the court, removing any procedural obstacles the defense might cite for failing to engage with the prosecution's case.

The resumption of the trial on November 9 is expected to see more substantive arguments from both the prosecution and the defense team as the proceedings advance toward a resolution. Kapunan's latest comments suggest the prosecution is confident in the strength of the evidence it has presented and expects the defense to mount a direct counter-argument rather than avoid the contested issues.