Manila: The Senate impeachment court has concluded the prosecution's presentation under Article 4, finishing two days earlier than planned after several witnesses withdrew, presiding officer Francis 'Chiz' Escudero announced.
According to Philippines News Agency, the pretrial order had allocated 11 days for the prosecution to make its case regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged assassination plot, grave threats, and incitement to sedition against top officials. However, the panel completed its presentation in just six days, with National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag serving as the final witness.
Escudero indicated that the proceedings consumed only six days due to the withdrawal of certain witnesses, following Matibag's release from the witness stand. The court also dedicated three days to opening statements, oral arguments over subpoenas, and interjections and debates by senator-judges.
"A total of nine days has been spent, therefore, since we started. So, we are still ahead of two days based on the timetable given in the pre-trial order," Escudero remarked, expressing optimism that the impeachment process would continue to adhere to or exceed the agreed-upon schedule from the pretrial conference.
Before closing the session, the court issued subpoenas to former LandBank branch managers Violeta Constantino and Nenita Camposano. Constantino will testify first when the trial resumes at 10 a.m. on July 29, followed by Camposano, depending on the duration of the direct, cross, and potential re-cross examinations.
Escudero advised both prosecution and defense teams to prepare for the upcoming testimonies, though he noted the court might modify the subpoenas based on any agreements reached by the parties early next week. The court also reminded both sides to attend a conference for marking, transferring markings, and comparing exhibits at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Additionally, Escudero warned registered counsels serving as spokespersons against discussing the case's merits publicly, noting that the court would monitor statements from both parties. He suggested that the panels consider appointing spokespersons who are not registered counsels, as they would not be restricted by the impeachment court's rules on public comments and disclosures.
