The legal defense team of Sara Duterte on Thursday, April 23, pushed back against allegations raised in recent proceedings, asserting that the claims would not withstand proper scrutiny in a formal impeachment trial before the Senate.
During a press conference, lawyers Atty. Michael Poa, Atty. Sheila Sison, Atty. Ralph Bodota, and Atty. Carlo Joaquin Narvasa emphasized that recent evidence—particularly financial records—should not be treated as definitive proof.
Poa, the defense spokesperson, said the team had initially avoided public briefings to prevent what he described as “trial by publicity,” but decided to speak following recent developments.
He maintained that discrepancies cited between the Vice President’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and other financial data are a matter of interpretation.
“I’m not saying the data presented is false. What I’m saying is that the issue lies in how it was presented—whether it is accurate or not,” Poa said in a mix of English and Filipino.
He added that the defense expects “vindication” once evidence and witnesses are subjected to cross-examination in a proper impeachment court.
AMLC data
The defense also addressed reports involving the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), arguing that the figures cited were presented in aggregate form.
According to Poa, aggregated transaction data can be misleading if not broken down and contextualized. “AMLC data is typically presented as an aggregate of transactions,” he said, noting that the issue lies in how those numbers were presented and interpreted.
Defense strategy
A key argument raised by the defense team is that current proceedings lack jurisdiction to determine guilt or innocence.
Sison stressed that presenting evidence before a congressional committee does not equate to proof.
“What’s important for us to understand at this point is that the mere presentation of supposed evidence before a committee that is not authorized to conduct a trial does not amount to proof,” she said.
She added that any evidence—whether presented in an ordinary setting or in impeachment proceedings—must still withstand scrutiny.
“And when does that happen? It happens only in a proper trial, before a tribunal or a body that has jurisdiction to conduct a trial,” Sison said.
The lawyers reiterated that the House of Representatives or its committees cannot function as an impeachment court under the Constitution. Instead, they pointed to the Senate as the sole body authorized to try impeachment cases.
Sison emphasized that the defense team has been clear from the start:
“The reason why we have already stated that we will not be able to participate in a proceeding that we think is unconstitutional and goes beyond the powers identified by the Constitution is that these powers belong—not to the House of Representatives or any of its committees—but to the Senate alone,” she said.
“According to the Constitution, the impeachment court, if ever constituted, is the Senate,” Sison added. “The defense of the Vice President is ready to respond before the proper forum and during a fair trial,” she said.
Defense questions scope of allegations
Poa also underscored that impeachment applies only to acts committed while an official is in office.
“The basis of impeachment is impeachable offenses committed while serving as Vice President,” he said. “Actions outside that period are not covered,” he added.
On VP’s participation in proceedings
The defense clarified that the Vice President’s attendance—or absence—in hearings is tied to their position on jurisdiction, not a refusal to respond.
“Her attendance or non-attendance is based on the position of the defense regarding jurisdiction, or the lack thereof, given the nature of the proceedings being conducted,” Poa said.
Ready for any eventuality
Despite legal challenges, including a petition before the Supreme Court, the defense team said it has been preparing for all possible outcomes.
“We are ready for any eventuality,” Poa said, noting that proceedings are “already bordering on trial.”
Sison echoed this, emphasizing that the defense is prepared to present evidence and arguments once a formal impeachment court is convened.
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