Manila: House lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro of Batangas clarified on Monday that no documentary evidence has been excluded from the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte during the ongoing pretrial proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.

According to Philippines News Agency, this clarification came amidst inquiries about whether any records, documentary evidence, or witnesses presented by either side had already been removed from consideration during the pretrial conference. Luistro emphasized during a press briefing at the Senate that the admissibility of documentary exhibits is not addressed during a pretrial conference.

Luistro explained that questions regarding the admissibility of documentary evidence will only be considered once the impeachment trial formally begins. She refrained from discussing specific details about the evidence, witnesses, and stipulations of fact under consideration during the pretrial conference, citing restrictions on commenting on the merits of the case.

Luistro described the atmosphere during the pretrial conference as intense yet professional, with both the prosecution and defense focused on advancing their positions. She noted that both sides are committed to proving their respective cases, with the prosecution aiming to establish its case and the defense committed to proving the respondent's innocence.

The prosecution and defense panels are in the process of completing the marking of documentary exhibits in preparation for the issuance of a pretrial order by the Senate impeachment court. The impeachment trial of Duterte is scheduled to begin on July 6.