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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider What could it be? Prosecutor hype up 'evidence bombshell' in VP Sara trial next week

What could it be? Prosecutor hype up 'evidence bombshell' in VP Sara trial next week

Published Jul 9, 2026 06:04 pm

At A Glance

  • The House prosecution panel hints at an "evidence bombshell" to be presented next week in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
  • Prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. confirms strong evidence will be unveiled but withholds details due to the sub judice rule, saying it will surface during witness testimony.
  • The panel continues its presentation under Article IV, with upcoming NBI witnesses expected to testify on investigations into Duterte's alleged grave threats and incitement to sedition.
Private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


The House prosecution panel is teasing an "evidence bombshell" during the resumption of Vice President Sara Duterte's Senate impeachment trial next week.
The 26-strong prosecution team composed of 11 solon-prosecutors and 15 private law practitioners have just completed the first week of the high-stakes trial, which, if they get their way, end up removing Duterte as Vice President and ban from seeking public office for life.
In a press conference Thursday, private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr., one of the spokespersons for the panel, was asked whether or not it was going to present something explosive--or "pasabog"--next week.
Surprisingly, the usually reserved Tolosa answered in the positive.
“Meron ho kaming matibay na ebidensya na ilalabas sa susunod na linggo,” Tolosa told reporters.
(We will present a strong piece of evidence next week.)
Tolosa refused to elaborate not to purposely build intrigue, but for purely legal reasons. “Because of the sub judice rule, we cannot talk about matters which were not yet discussed in the impeachment proceedings."
“That’s why we’re begging for your patience at this time,” he added.
The prosecutor-spokesperson said those matters may be discussed once the prosecution’s witnesses have mentioned them in court, most likely during direct examination.
“Pag nailatag na ho ‘yan ng witnesses namin, pwede na natin pag-usapan,” Tolosa said, as he kept the details vague.
(We can talk about it once our witnesses have presented it.)
The prosecution is knee-deep in its presentation of evidence on Article IV of the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte. This covers allegations of grave threats and inciting to sedition.
The first witness was National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, a cybercime investigator.
Tolosa said the public should wait for the testimony of the prosecution’s next NBI witnesses.
“Let’s wait for the testimony of Director [Melvin] Matibag and the other regional director of the NBI. They will be testifying about the investigation conducted by the NBI in relation to this,” he added.

Related Tags

Impeachment Benjamin Tolosa Sara Duterte NBI impeachment trial Pasabog
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