MANILA — The pre-trial conference in the impeachment case against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte may extend further as the Senate impeachment court continues reviewing evidence and resolving procedural matters before the formal trial, officials said on Monday. The proceedings, which began on June 18, are being conducted at the Senate in Pasay City ahead of the scheduled start of the trial in July.
The pre-trial conference is a procedural stage where the prosecution and defense teams discuss issues including agreed facts, evidence marking, witness lists, and trial procedures, according to the Senate impeachment court’s earlier notice. The court said the process is intended to help organize the proceedings and promote a fair and efficient trial.
On Monday, Senate Secretary and impeachment court Clerk Rey Bantug Jr. said the continuation of the pre-trial was necessary because the marking of evidence had not been completed. “Earlier this morning, I was hopeful that we could finish today. But I just checked the ongoing marking. It’s clear to me that we cannot finish today,” Bantug said, according to reports.
The House of Representatives prosecution panel and Duterte’s defense team submitted their pre-trial briefs before the conference, outlining their positions, proposed evidence, and possible witnesses, Philippine media reported. The defense has asked the Senate impeachment court to dismiss the case, while Duterte has denied the allegations and described the impeachment proceedings as politically motivated.
Duterte is facing impeachment charges approved by the House of Representatives involving allegations including misuse of public funds, graft-related offenses, betrayal of public trust, and other alleged violations. The vice president has rejected the accusations. The Senate, which acts as the impeachment court under the Philippine Constitution, will determine the outcome of the case.
The impeachment proceedings have taken place amid political changes in the Senate. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate president after the removal of Alan Peter Cayetano, a Duterte ally, in a leadership shift that occurred shortly before the impeachment process moved forward.
The Senate impeachment court has not announced a final date for the completion of the pre-trial conference. Officials said further sessions may be held to address remaining evidence and procedural matters before the trial begins.
