Today at the impeachment trial, many is expecting that there will be a showdown between the parties. What for? Why? At the expense of the people?
While we are in agreement with the right of the accused to due process, still for others the fact remains that the existence of public documents and their presentation would not violate any person's right.
Besides, it is argued that once presented, the accused will have the right to be heard and refute whatever position which the other party will try to present.
There is no doubt that the prosecution will insist on presenting documentary evidence such as the income tax return, primarily of the Chief Justice. It is expected that this will be vigorously opposed by the defense.
On the part of the defense, it also maintains what has not been alleged cannot be proven. To do so would be violative of the right of the accused to be informed and to due process.
At the end of the day, it is the Impeachment Court which will decide whether to allow the presentation of the income tax returns or not. It has been reported however that the public documents in question were submitted to the Clerk of Court. In which case, the court now has discretion indeed since the documents are subject to its rules.
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