Manila: The Senate impeachment court will try to keep next week's proceedings on schedule but will not sacrifice the full presentation of evidence for speed, its spokesperson said Friday. In a press briefing, lawyer Regie Tongol stated that the court anticipates extended trial days starting Monday, July 13, as both prosecution and defense panels engage in direct, cross, redirect, and recross examinations of scheduled witnesses.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tongol emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the truth and comprehensive evidence presentation over the speed of proceedings. He noted that the court conducted time-and-motion studies during the initial three days of the trial and expects the sessions next week to potentially extend until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., with a 6 p.m. conclusion considered fortunate if the witness examinations proceed extensively.
Tongol highlighted that the trial's pace will depend on the efficiency of questioning by lawyers, the responsiveness of witnesses, and the prosecution's ability to present evidence effectively. The court aims to minimize unnecessary delays by encouraging parties to agree on uncontested matters such as witness identity or credentials.
The impeachment court is set to resume on Monday with NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotok expected as the prosecution's next witness. Office of the Vice President Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez is scheduled as a witness on Tuesday, July 14, based on the subpoena ad testificandum issued to her. House of Representatives' Legislative Security Bureau head Executive Director Belinda Bello is expected to testify on Wednesday, July 15.
Both prosecution and defense panels are required to submit their formal memoranda on Monday regarding the requested subpoenas for Bureau of Internal Revenue, Anti-Money Laundering Council, and bank records. Tongol mentioned that oral arguments on bank deposits and BIR documents are scheduled for Wednesday, with both sides allotted 10 minutes each to present their positions and an additional three minutes for rebuttals.
The subpoena issues involve the prosecution's request for records from the BIR, banks, and the AMLC, with the defense raising objections concerning confidentiality, tax rules, and the scope of records being sought. Tongol acknowledged public comments regarding the trial's technical nature but emphasized that impeachment proceedings must adhere to rules of evidence, procedure, and due process. The court is tasked with balancing public understanding and the rights of all parties in the formal court process.
Tongol concluded by acknowledging the difficult balancing act involved but expressed the court's commitment to encouraging parties to agree on matters where there is little contention, thereby streamlining the process.
