Manila: The first day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will focus first on resolving motions, with presentation of evidence to begin likely on the second day of proceedings, Manila Rep. Joel Chua said Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the five-day pretrial conference, the 11-member House prosecution panel filed multiple motions on procedural and evidentiary issues. The most contentious involve whether both public and private prosecutors may participate in proceedings and whether a sealed Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) box containing Duterte and her husband's tax records should be opened.

Chua, in an online interview, revealed that the Vice President's defense team pushed back against the prosecution's bid to bar private prosecutors from participating. The prosecution's motion to allow one public and one private prosecutor was met with objections from the defense, who preferred exclusive participation by public prosecutors.

On the issue of the sealed BIR box, the defense has shown flexibility, agreeing to its opening on the condition that it be done behind closed doors during an executive session. The clerk of court, acting as receiver during the marking of evidence, could not decide on these motions during the pretrial conference.

The prosecution team emphasized the need to address such motions before presenting evidence and witnesses. They also moved to allow both English and Filipino during the trial, especially during witness cross-examinations. Chua stated that while English is the standard language, interpreters are available if Tagalog is requested.

House trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong highlighted the importance of responding to impeachment articles with specific evidence and counterarguments, rather than through press conferences. Adiong noted that the defense has yet to sufficiently address the allegations, which has led to expectations of legal and procedural motions at the trial's onset.

Adiong further explained that the failure to respond adequately within the formal process contributed to many lawmakers, even those previously perceived as allies to the Vice President, voting in favor of the impeachment. He emphasized that public statements cannot replace a formal defense in the proper forum and encouraged the accused, if innocent, to present evidence in the proceedings.