House Prosecution: 'Mere Idea of Assassinating Marcos a Betrayal of Public Trust'

NBI Testimony Exposes Unsubstantiated Claims

In a recent ANC 24/7 report, House prosecution panel spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong declared that the mere idea of assassinating Marcos a betrayal of public trust. On Day 3 of the impeachment trial on July 8, 2026, NBI Senior Agent Mark Calilung testified before the Senate impeachment court in Pasay City that Vice President Sara Duterte and her ally Princess Maui failed to appear before the NBI to substantiate their claims of an alleged plot to kill the Vice President and her family. Calilung detailed how authorities weigh factors such as capability to carry out threats when assessing statements like those made by Duterte in her November 2024 press conference, where she admitted instructing someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself were killed.

The prosecution played the video clip of that November 2024 press conference during the session, directly linking Duterte's words to the betrayal of public trust argument. This evidence centers on real Filipino families in Manila and Davao who rely on stable leadership, as threats from high officials disrupt community trust in institutions like the Philippine National Police and the Senate.

Prosecution Advances Subpoena Requests

The Senate impeachment court scheduled oral arguments for July 15 on the prosecution's request to subpoena tax records of VP Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio, and businesses linked to them. House prosecution panel spokesperson Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. explained that photocopies remain admissible under the new Rules of Evidence, countering repeated defense objections to the presentation of such documents. Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero confirmed the 16-conviction threshold ruling subject to appeal, while former SC Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna stated it is not yet time to bring the voting threshold question to the Supreme Court.

These procedural steps affect OFW families in Cebu and Baguio who send remittances home, as prolonged political instability raises concerns over economic policies tied to the presidency. The defense lawyer Michael Poa described the objections as standard legal procedure rather than strategy, yet the Senate continues to examine records that could reveal financial ties impacting barangay-level services across Surigao del Sur.

Defense Camp Maintains Distance from Trial

VP Duterte attended a fiesta in Barangay Bigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur instead of appearing at the trial on July 8. This choice highlights how political figures engage local communities through cultural events like fiestas, yet it leaves residents in Hinatuan questioning accountability when national leaders face serious charges. Malacañang stated that President Marcos supports the Senate's decisions out of respect for separation of powers, reinforcing the constitutional framework that protects daily governance for farmers and sari-sari store owners nationwide.

Senator Ping Lacson commended fellow senator-judges for keeping their cool amid lectures from a colleague during the session. Such conduct in the Senate chamber in Pasay City maintains order that indirectly supports workers in Quezon City who depend on consistent legislative progress rather than distractions from impeachment proceedings.

Security Measures and Witness Schedule

1,442 police remain deployed outside the Senate in Pasay City, down from 4,000 on Day 1, reflecting adjusted security for the ongoing trial. The prosecution announced it will present Zuleika Lopez, VP Duterte's chief of staff, as a witness next week to provide further testimony on internal operations. House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V noted the closeness between VP Sara's camp and certain senators, raising questions about potential influences on votes within the impeachment court.

These developments matter for students in DepEd schools and patients served by DOH facilities, as political distractions can delay budget allocations from the DBM that fund education and health programs in provinces like Davao and Cebu. The reduced police presence allows normal traffic flow for jeepney drivers in Metro Manila while still securing the premises.

Broader Political and Community Implications

Rep. Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro party-list criticized those seeking a TRO against the impeachment, saying "Di pa ba sila naawa sa puno? Nagsasayang sila ng papel." This remark underscores resource concerns amid the legal battle. The trial's focus on public trust betrayal through assassination remarks directly shapes how communities in Hinatuan and beyond view leadership accountability under COMELEC oversight and Senate processes.

Filipino families across the archipelago watch these proceedings because outcomes influence policies on OFW protections, agricultural support for farmers, and urban services for workers. The emphasis on concrete evidence from NBI agents and video records ensures the process addresses specific actions rather than abstract disputes, affecting daily life from sari-sari stores in Quezon City to fiestas in Surigao del Sur.