Defense Lawyers Object to Witness Testimony in DPWH Malversation Case
In a significant development in a high-profile corruption case, defense lawyers representing former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa region have formally objected to the testimony of state witness Henry Alcantara. The objections were raised during proceedings related to a malversation case concerning a road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Defense Arguments Against Testimony
The defense team strongly contested Alcantara's affidavit, asserting that it holds no relevance to the case and that the witness lacks personal knowledge of the projects under the Mimaropa region's jurisdiction. In protest, they refused to cross-examine him, arguing that his testimony should be excluded entirely due to these perceived deficiencies.
Court's Decision and Prosecution's Stance
Despite the objections, the court, presided over by Associate Justice Sarah Fernandez, permitted Alcantara's testimony to proceed. Justice Fernandez emphasized that the entirety of the evidence must be considered in evaluating the case, underscoring the judicial principle of comprehensive review.
The prosecution clarified that Alcantara testified regarding alleged discussions about projects and accusations involving former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, not in his capacity as an official from the DPWH Bulacan office. This distinction aims to contextualize his role in the proceedings.
Upcoming Developments in the Case
The case is set to continue with the next witness scheduled to appear before the Anti-Money Laundering Council on April 7. This upcoming testimony is anticipated to further unravel the complexities of the malversation allegations, which have drawn public attention to issues of governance and accountability in infrastructure projects.
The objections highlight the contentious nature of the legal battle, as both sides prepare for further hearings that could impact the outcome of this corruption investigation.
