MANILA — The House prosecution team on Thursday accused Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s defense of panicking and changing its strategy after dropping several witnesses, saying key bank records supporting allegations of at least ₱817.87 million in unexplained wealth remained unchallenged.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, the prosecution’s spokesperson, said the defense appeared to be adjusting its approach after testimonies from some of its own witnesses strengthened the case against Duterte.

“In my own observation, it only manifests how the defense is now panicking. They’re trying to re-strategize again their initial, probably initial attempt to attack the case of the prosecution,” Alonto Adiong said during a post-trial press briefing.

He said bank managers presented by the prosecution had confirmed the existence of accounts held by Duterte, her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, and companies in which they had financial interests. Some of the accounts reportedly carried balances not reflected in Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).

The prosecution said forensic accounting expert Alexander Cabrera used the bank records to identify at least ₱817.87 million in alleged unexplained wealth and undeclared assets covering 2022 to 2025.

House prosecution legal spokesperson and counsel Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. said the defense had not challenged the authenticity or existence of the accounts presented by the prosecution.

“First of all, they did not question the authenticity of those bank accounts when we presented them,” Tolosa said.

He pointed out that some accounts had year-end balances exceeding ₱20 million and ₱30 million.

Tolosa also questioned the defense’s decision to withdraw its prospective bank witnesses, saying the team had weeks to prepare for their presentation.

According to him, the defense had initially expected to call 16 witnesses but dispensed with 15 before eventually dropping the remaining bank witness. The bank representatives were supposed to authenticate letters sent by Carpio, not dispute the account balances, he added.

The prosecution also cited the testimony of defense witness Atty. Suzette Balucanag-Punay, in-house counsel for GenCorp Industries Inc. and Metro City Chow Foods Corp., who confirmed that Duterte received income from GenCorp while serving as vice president.

Tolosa said the testimony raised questions about constitutional restrictions on financial interests in government contracts.

“No matter kung anumang label na gusto niyang ilagay diyan, the fact is inamin niya, tumanggap siya sa GenCorp habang Vice President siya,” Tolosa said.

GenCorp had obtained more than ₱30 million in contracts with the Davao City government, which is headed by Duterte’s brother, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.

Alonto Adiong said Punay’s testimony strengthened the prosecution’s allegations instead of clearing the vice president.

“So instead of proving the case of the defense that the Vice President did not commit any impeachable offense, it actually went the other way around. It made to the advantage of the prosecution,” he said.

Tolosa likewise questioned whether the defense had established that properties identified by the prosecution were properly declared in Duterte’s SALNs.

He said one defense witness could not conclusively identify a property, while another acknowledged that separate properties could have similar assessed and fair market values.

Despite its criticisms of the defense evidence, Tolosa said the prosecution would leave the final evaluation to the Senate impeachment court.

The defense is currently presenting evidence on Article II, the only remaining impeachment charge against Duterte, which concerns allegations of unexplained wealth.