- 3 out of 4 Articles of Impeachment vs. VP Sara dropped by the Prosecution — GMA News

[0:00] Yes, Honorable Jokno. [0:02] You're on that point, if you're honest, please. [0:04] May I just inform the court that in addition to the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil being recognized in jurisprudence, [0:15] it is also a principle that is recognized, as mentioned by Attorney Cabrera yesterday, in accounting, just to inform the court. [0:24] I likewise make a reservation, if you're honest, please. [0:27] Anyway, I believe we will be given time at the close of these proceedings to submit a legal memoranda. [0:35] I just make a reservation to do so at the appropriate time, Your Honor. [0:39] Yes, both legal memoranda and closing arguments after the culmination of the presentation of the evidence-in-chief by the respondent. [0:50] That will come at a later time, Honorable Jokno. [0:53] Now, moving to the October 6th manifestation, where you stated that you were withdrawing your witness and rather recalling the issuance of subpoena in favor against an official of the NBI and withdrawing. [1:08] Article 3 on bribery prior to arresting your case, which will, as you know, in accordance with the rules, will trigger the corresponding order by the court on the submission of a formal offer, comment thereto, [1:27] and ruling of the court with respect to the formal offer, taking into account the comments thereto by counsel for respondent, before the respondent begins the presentation of its evidence-in-chief. [1:38] So, can we take that up, Honorable Jokno? [1:40] Yes, Your Honor. May I yield the floor to our team leader, overall leader for the prosecution panel, Chair Jinky Luistro? [1:48] The floor is yielded to the fearless leader of the Honorable Jokno, the lead prosecutor. [1:56] Honorable Luistro is recognized. Yes, ma'am. [1:59] Your Honor, please, please allow this representation to read this manifestation. [2:06] There is no written submitted manifestation. Correct me if I'm wrong. [2:10] We understand, Your Honor. Yes, Your Honor. [2:12] Mr. Presiding Officer, the Honorable Senator Judges, four articles of impeachment were filed against the respondent Vice President. [2:30] Today, the prosecution respectfully manifests that it will no longer pursue three of them. [2:45] It will stand on one, and that is Article 2 on unexplained wealth. [2:53] Let me explain in three parts. [3:02] First, our decision to focus on what is necessary. [3:11] During pre-trial, the prosecution named numerous witnesses, but did not present all of them. [3:23] On the Article on Threats, we named 10 witnesses and presented only three. [3:30] On the Article on Confidential Funds, we named 27 and presented only 11. [3:41] On the Article on Unexplained Wealth, we named 15 and presented 11, not counting the individual bank and insurance witnesses. [3:58] On the Article on Bribery, we will present none of the five witnesses we had named. [4:09] In all, some 32 witnesses will no longer be called to the witness stand. [4:18] This reflects the prosecution's considered decision to focus its case only on the witnesses absolutely necessary for each article. [4:37] Second, the proceedings that will no longer be necessary. [4:43] The prosecution has not yet made its formal offer of documentary evidence. [4:52] Had we proceeded on all four articles, the impeachment court would have had to consider the evidence offered for each, together with the corresponding objections and arguments. [5:09] By focusing on one article, the matters requiring the impeachment court's consideration are correspondingly narrowed with practical benefits for the Senate, the respondent, and even the public. [5:33] Third, why one article is enough? [5:37] The prosecution believes it has presented sufficient evidence for Article 2 to stand on its own. [5:50] All in po tayo dito. [5:52] We believe that evidence is substantial and compelling and warrants the respondent's removal from office for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust. [6:08] Article 2, the article on unexplained wealth, covers three matters. [6:20] One, unexplained wealth. [6:22] Two, violations of the SALIN. [6:26] And three, prohibited business interest. [6:32] We believe we have provided sufficient evidence on all these allegations. [6:37] In the prosecution's assessment, concentrating on this article is the most judicious course consistent with the evidence and our duty to the nation. [6:53] Therefore, honorable senator judges, beloved countrymen, the prosecution formally manifests its withdrawal of and intention to no longer pursue Article 1 on confidential funds, Article 3 on bribery, and Article 4 on threats. [7:23] We respectfully submit this manifestation to the Honorable Impeachment Court for its consideration and appropriate action. [7:36] We recall the impeachment trial of then Chief Justice Renato Corona, in which the prosecution likewise withdrew certain articles and proceeded only on the remaining ones. [7:50] That president recognized the prosecution's privilege to determine which articles to pursue and which to drop. [8:01] This manifestation is made in that same spirit to exercise the prosecution's judgment on which charges to pursue, as well as to safeguard the interests of the nation against betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution. [8:27] Thank you, Mr. President. [8:28] Thank you, Mr. President. [8:29] Thank you, Mr. President. [8:29] Thank you, Mr. President. [8:31] Thank you, Mr. President. [8:32] The Honorable Senator Judges. [8:34] The Chair notes the manifestation of the lead prosecutor, the Honorable Louise Straw. [8:37] Thank you, Mr. President.