Manila:House of Representatives lead prosecutor Batangas Rep. Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro expressed disappointment over the defense strategy of Vice President Sara Duterte, which she claims focuses on minor issues rather than addressing the core allegations raised by the prosecution panel in the ongoing impeachment trial.
According to Philippines News agency, the first week of the defense's case presentation concluded with six witnesses taking the stand, including Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin and Samal Assessor John Kenneth Enumerables. The witnesses testified about two undeclared real properties, PHP70,000 compensation received by Duterte, a dinner bill exceeding PHP200,000, a PHP256,000 purchase of sneakers, and business interests.
Luistro criticized the defense for addressing only a small portion of the issues highlighted by expert witness attorney Alex Cabrera, who reported PHP817 million in unexplained wealth. She emphasized that both the prosecution and the public expected the defense to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the Vice President's alleged undeclared or unexplained wealth.
The defense's corporate testimony was labeled as "self-destructive" by Luistro, particularly after a witness acknowledged Duterte's investment in a Jollibee branch and PHP2.14 million in payments from GenCorp Industries, Inc. Lawyer Suzette Balucanag-Punay, corporate counsel of GenCorp, confirmed these payments and described them as a return of capital from an earlier investment.
Despite efforts to dispute the larger income amounts attributed to Duterte by forensic accountant Alexander Cabrera, the testimony left the capital basis and payment terms unresolved. The defense's focus on these points was seen as reinforcing the prosecution's case regarding Duterte's financial interests and alleged failure to divest from business interests while in office.
Luistro also highlighted Metro City Chow Foods Corp., where Duterte is a 20 percent shareholder and director, as part of the prosecution's argument. Corporate records presented during the trial verified Duterte's positions within the company, including her role on the compensation committee.
