Manila: Evidence, not politics, will ultimately dictate the verdict on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, according to House of Representatives prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Friday. He rejected the claim of a 'predetermined narrative' by the Vice President's older brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ridon stated in an online press briefing that Duterte and her lawyers have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution's evidence and present their own case before the Senate impeachment court. Ridon emphasized that both the prosecution and the defense have their own accounts and presentations of the situation, dismissing the notion of a predetermined narrative.

Ridon explained that the prosecution would continue presenting evidence on allegations involving Duterte's misuse of confidential funds, threats, bribery, and unexplained wealth. Similarly, the defense would have the opportunity to answer the charges and present its evidence. Ridon dismissed the predetermined narrative claim as baseless and reiterated the focus on evidence for the judgment of the senator-judges and the public.

When asked whether Rep. Duterte's remarks were part of a political defense, Ridon stated that political narratives were secondary to the evidence presented by both sides. He stressed that the outcome would depend on the overall evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense.

Ridon concluded by asserting the prosecution's responsibility to present sufficient evidence for a conviction while acknowledging that Duterte's lawyers would have the chance to argue for acquittal.