Manila: The House of Representatives prosecution panel has declared its readiness for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, set to commence on July 6, with no anticipated delays.

According to Philippines News Agency, Manila 3rd District Representative and House prosecution panel member Joel Chua stated in a news forum on Saturday that there are no expected delays, as the Senate President has already issued the necessary summons. Chua expressed confidence in the Senate's preparations, noting that any postponement would appear unreasonable.

The trial will begin with opening statements from both sides, and the prosecution team is hopeful that the impeachment court will resolve pending motions on the first day, including the use of the Filipino language during the proceedings. A key point of interest is the unopened Bureau of Internal Revenue box containing Duterte's tax records, which the House panel argues will determine if the Vice President's financial declarations are consistent.

While Duterte's team is open to revealing the contents of the box, they prefer doing so in an executive session. Chua criticized this approach, emphasizing the trial's aim of promoting accountability and transparency, likening it to a court of law rather than a committee-level hearing.

Human rights lawyer Dino De Leon from the watchdog group Bantay Senado described the trial as a pivotal moment for upholding the rule of law in the Philippines. De Leon stressed the importance of the Senate acting as an independent body that adheres to constitutional principles and bases its decisions on evidence. Bantay Senado also urged the Senate impeachment court to ensure Duterte's presence at the trial, highlighting the necessity for the Senate to exercise its full constitutional powers.