Sara Duterte impeachment trial Day 4: 'Operation Romanov,' no valid info on alleged hitman 

The prosecution on Monday presented National Bureau of Investigation regional director Jeremy Lotoc as its second witness on the continuation of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Here’s a rundown of everything that happened on the fourth day of the trial:

The House prosecution team on Monday said it remains focused on building an “airtight” case against the vice president instead of speculating on the number of votes needed for a conviction in her impeachment trial. Lawyer Jay Tolosa—one of the private prosecutors on the House prosecution panel's roster, as well as the team's legal spokesperson—said the prosecution’s strategy has remained unchanged despite discussions surrounding the interpretation of the Senate’s voting threshold.

House prosecutors said Duterte’s possible attendance at the impeachment trial would not affect the prosecution’s strategy or presentation of evidence. Representative Ace Barbers said the prosecution is prepared to present its witnesses and evidence regardless of who attends the proceedings.

Prosecution continued presenting evidence on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which concerns the alleged grave threats made by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Lotoc testified as the prosecution’s key witness and said the NBI found intent, motive, and capability on the part of Duterte to carry out the alleged threats.

Lotoc said investigators concluded the threats were “real and serious,” noting Duterte appeared “furious” during the press conference and repeatedly cursed President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Lotoc testified that the NBI concluded Duterte’s statements tended to incite sedition, saying they could stir people against the government and disturb public order.

During direct examination, prosecutor Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan argued that Duterte’s own statements suggested the alleged assassination plot had supposedly been arranged even before the Nov. 23, 2024 press conference.

House prosecutor Joel Chua later said Lotoc’s testimony made the prosecution’s case even more “airtight.” He also revealed he obtained security after Duterte’s alleged threats in 2024 because he felt threatened by remarks made by the country’s second-highest official.

The Impeachment Court received the memorandum from the prosecution and defense, in compliance with the July 6 order regarding the issuance of the subpoena duces tecum for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Anti–Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and the specified banks.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian ruled that NBI Director Melvin Matibag shall be presented by the prosecution as a witness next Monday, July 20, subject to the continuance of his cross-examination on another date.

Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo asked if the Defense would present any evidence to prove the alleged “Operation Romanov,” to which the latter answered in the affirmative.

Senator-Judge Imee Marcos cited discrepancies in the timeline of events as recorded between the official subpoena and the witness’s executed affidavit.

Senator-Judge Bam Aquino asked if the NBI proceeded with its investigation to identify the alleged hitman contracted by Duterte to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his family. Lotoc said the NBI has yet to gather validated information regarding the identity of the supposed assassin.

Defense opposed House prosecutors' request to present NBI Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday, July 14, citing a violation of the five-day rule on presenting surprise witnesses.

Vinluan objects to Ligutan's use of Waray language in the witness.

The defense team of Duterte denied that she hired somebody to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Duterte's Defense team argued that NBI recommendations are not binding upon the Department of Justice (DOJ) or courts. It also said only the courts could determine whether an accused is guilty or not.

Vinluan asked the NBI if there was a bias against Duterte in the investigation, considering the relationship between the NBI, DOJ, and the Office of the President. Lotoc rejects the claims, saying they are evidence-based in their probe.

Vinluan also questioned the alleged discrepancies with the dates on the affidavits submitted by the NBI to the DOJ. —LDF, GMA News