Manila: The opening of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte's impeachment trial on Monday will focus primarily on legal and procedural matters, with no witnesses taking the stand. This information was disclosed by House of Representatives impeachment adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers in a news release on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Barbers stated, "The Filipino people should expect the Senate impeachment court to first establish the legal framework that will govern the entire trial. That is how any orderly judicial proceeding begins." He further explained that the first day would include the entry of counsels' appearances, the respondent's plea, opening statements from both sides, and the resolution of preliminary legal issues before the court proceeds to the presentation of evidence.

Barbers emphasized that the first day's proceedings would not involve any witness testimonies or presentation of evidence. Instead, it aims to ensure that the rules are clear and the trial proceeds in an orderly manner. The House prosecution panel is prepared to present its case once the trial reaches the evidentiary phase.

He cautioned the public against evaluating the trial's progress based on the initial legal exchanges. "This is not a debate competition. The true scale of this case is the evidence to be presented and the would-be decision of the impeachment court based on the constitution and truth," Barbers remarked.

Barbers urged the public to view the proceedings as an affirmation of the functioning of the country's constitutional institutions. He highlighted the significance of starting the constitutional process of impeachment, a mechanism that holds the highest government officials accountable in the face of serious allegations.

He assured that the prosecution would respect all rulings of the Senate impeachment court while focusing on presenting evidence supporting the Articles of Impeachment. "Our commitment is simple: To respect the Court, uphold the Constitution and present the evidence in an orderly, fair, and transparent trial," Barbers stated, calling on the public to allow the process to unfold.

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co, also a House trial spokesperson, encouraged the youth to witness democracy and constitutional accountability in action by watching the proceedings from the beginning. Co emphasized the importance of understanding the processes and the significance of accountability in a democracy.

She noted that the impeachment trial serves as a reminder that no public official is beyond accountability, highlighting that public office is a public trust and every official remains accountable to the Filipino people under the constitution.