Manila: The Senate impeachment court has officially set the pre-trial conference for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, signaling a crucial phase in the proceedings. This development marks the preparation for presenting evidence and witnesses by both parties, as announced by House of Representatives prosecutor Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro Party-list.
According to Philippines News Agency, a Notice of Pre-Trial Conference was issued on June 9 and signed by acting Senate President and Presiding Officer Sherwin Gatchalian. The impeachment court has instructed Vice President Duterte and the House public prosecutors to attend the conference on June 18 at 9 a.m. at the Senator C.M. Recto Room in the Senate.
Ridon revealed in a news release that the notice outlined several pre-trial matters to be addressed. These include stipulating facts, simplifying issues, marking evidence, identifying witnesses, setting trial dates, and proposing a sequence for presenting evidence. Both parties are also required to submit their pre-trial briefs by June 15.
The notice mandates that the pre-trial brief should summarize admitted facts, proposed stipulations, and issues for resolution. It must also list documents, exhibits, and witnesses known and reasonably available to each party.
The notice also requires parties intending to reserve evidence or witnesses to disclose witness identities, describe evidence, and state the purpose of their presentation at least three days prior to their appearance before the impeachment court. However, for security and safety reasons, certain witness identities and details may be withheld until their actual presentation, as long as they are included in the disclosed total number of witnesses and corresponding trial dates.
To promote candid discussions and achieve pre-trial objectives, the proceedings will be closed to the media and public. The notice explicitly states that "The Pre-Trial Conference proceedings shall not be open to the media or public."
The impeachment court warned that failing to file a pre-trial brief on time or failing to attend the pre-trial conference without a valid reason might lead to the waiver of the right to present specific evidence or witnesses. If a party does not comply with the requirements, the court may proceed to formulate the pre-trial order based on the available records.
Ridon emphasized that the June 18 conference aims to establish the framework for the impeachment trial by identifying areas of agreement and dispute, organizing evidence, and setting the timetable for the proceedings.
