Terry Ridon Says New Evidence to Strengthen Case Against
VP Sara Duterte in Impeachment Trial

MANILA, Philippines — House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon
revealed that the prosecution panel in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara
Duterte has uncovered new evidence that may be presented before the Senate impeachment
court, adding another layer to allegations involving the Vice President’s supposed unexplained
wealth.

Speaking during an interview on Morning Matters, Ridon said the prosecution recently
discovered several properties allegedly owned by Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases
Carpio, that were not declared in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

According to Ridon, these properties were identified through records obtained from various
government agencies and were not part of the evidence previously discussed during the
proceedings of the House Committee on Justice.

The lawmaker declined to disclose specific details regarding the properties, citing the need to
preserve the integrity of the prosecution’s case before the impeachment court. However, he
emphasized that the newly discovered evidence could play a significant role in supporting the
article of impeachment concerning alleged unexplained wealth and non-disclosure of assets.

Ridon, who serves as the lead prosecutor for the article on unexplained wealth, said the
prosecution believes the evidence is substantial and could strengthen its arguments during trial.

He noted that the properties were identified through official government records and that experts
may be called upon to determine their valuation and relevance to the case.
According to Ridon, the emergence of additional evidence demonstrates that the impeachment
proceedings remain an evolving process.

He explained that even after the articles of
impeachment have been transmitted to the Senate, prosecutors may still present newly
discovered evidence, subject to the rules and approval of the impeachment court. This would
allow the prosecution to introduce information that was not previously available during House
proceedings.

The revelation comes as both the prosecution and defense prepare for the next stages of the
impeachment trial. The Senate impeachment court has scheduled pre-trial proceedings aimed
at simplifying issues, identifying witnesses, marking documentary evidence, and setting
timelines for the presentation of arguments from both sides.

Beyond the newly discovered properties, Ridon has repeatedly maintained that the prosecution
possesses a strong body of evidence supporting the impeachment complaint. Previous House
hearings featured testimonies from witnesses, financial records, and documents from various
government institutions that prosecutors claim point to irregularities involving confidential funds
and asset disclosures.

Among the pieces of evidence previously cited by the prosecution is the testimony of former
military agent Ramil Madriaga, who alleged involvement in the handling of confidential funds
linked to the Office of the Vice President. Ridon has earlier described Madriaga’s affidavit and
testimony as important evidence supporting the impeachment proceedings.

The House prosecution panel has also identified several government agencies and officials who
may be called to testify during the trial. According to Ridon, representatives from institutions
such as the Office of the Ombudsman, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the
Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) may be presented as witnesses to support the
prosecution’s case.

Despite questions from critics regarding the timing of the new evidence, Ridon insisted that the
prosecution remains focused on presenting facts rather than engaging in political debates. He
said the objective of the impeachment trial is to allow the Senate impeachment court to examine
the evidence and determine whether constitutional grounds exist to hold the Vice President
accountable.

Vice President Duterte has consistently denied allegations raised against her and has
maintained that the impeachment complaint is politically motivated. Her legal team has
challenged several aspects of the proceedings and continues to contest the accusations
contained in the articles of impeachment.

As preparations for the trial continue, public attention remains fixed on the Senate impeachment
court, where prosecutors are expected to formally present both previously disclosed evidence
and newly uncovered information.

For Ridon and the House prosecution panel, the latest
discovery of allegedly undeclared properties could become a key component of their effort to
prove claims of unexplained wealth against the Vice President.

The impeachment trial is expected to be one of the most closely watched political and legal
proceedings in the country, with its outcome carrying significant implications for both the Vice
President and the nation’s political landscape.