Prosecution panel failed, Panelo claims

QUEZON CITY— The prosecution failed its chances in proving the Vice President’s guilt, according to OVP spokesperson Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. 

In a statement on Saturday, Panelo criticized the latest tirades from the prosecution panel.

“We apparently live in two worlds. One where due process and fairness still reign—where an accused is not condemned before she is heard, and where allegations must be proven with clear and convincing evidence presented in court. The other is wherever Atty. Lorna Kapunan and her colleagues have decided these rules no longer apply,” Panelo said.

“One world seeks the truth. The other desperately tries to persuade an increasingly skeptical public with asinine sound bites built on half-truths and malicious speculation, spewed out in daily, obtrusive, and nauseating press briefings and interviews,” he added.

“The prosecution had its chance. It failed. On Monday, the Vice President begins her defense,” he said.

Two members of the prosecution panel refuted Panelo’s statement, saying it wouldn’t be considered a failure if the court admitted their evidence.

“In what alternate universe did we actually fail at this point, if we failed, hindi pasok ang mga ebidensya na ito,” said Rep. Terry Ridon, House Prosecutor.

“Yun ang claim nila, ibig sabihin parang walang kwenta, walang saysay ang ebidensya natin pero sa first week pa lang they already want to present 24 witnesses, parang di masyadong consistent,” said legal spokesperson Atty. Jay Tolosa.

Impeachment trial resumes November 9-23, 2026, with the defense panel taking the floor to present witnesses.