Senator-judge Panfilo “Ping” Lacson commended House prosecutor Rep. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno for his systematic handling of the unexplained wealth allegations against Vice President Sara Duterte, noting that the prosecution has successfully tied up the core issues of Article II.
In a public statement shared on social media platform X, Lacson lauded Diokno’s performance during the direct examination of financial forensic analyst Atty. Alexander B. Cabrera.
Cabrera serves as the prosecution panel’s final expert witness for Article II of the ongoing Senate impeachment trial.
“Without intending to prejudge the outcome, and subject to any convincing rebuttal the defense may present during the cross-examination of prosecution expert witness Atty. Alexander B. Cabrera, Cong. Chel Diokno appears to have tied up the issues under Article II (Unexplained Wealth) with remarkable clarity, precision, and coherence,” Lacson stated.
During Friday’s marathon proceedings, Diokno guided Cabrera through a detailed breakdown of financial transactions and alleged banking irregularities associated with the Vice President and her husband, Manases Carpio.
The presentation concluded the prosecution’s evidentiary lineup for the unexplained wealth charge.
While offering significant praise for the prosecution’s presentation, Lacson—serving as an impartial juror in the impeachment court—reminded the public that his assessment remains preliminary.
He emphasized that the defense panel will have its full opportunity to counter the findings and grill Cabrera when the trial resumes for cross-examination. # (ZIA LUNA)
