With the pre-trial conference concluded, the House prosecution panel is now awaiting the Senate impeachment court’s pre-trial order, a critical document expected to resolve pending issues and establish the framework for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
House trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong explained that the pre-trial order will summarize discussions from the pre-trial conference and identify which proposed stipulations of fact were accepted by both the prosecution and the defense. This allows the court to focus solely on disputed matters once the trial begins on July 6.
“The pre-trial order will provide a clear roadmap — it outlines the court’s directives, defines the parameters, and clarifies what is accepted and what must be addressed,” Alonto Adiong said.
The document will also address unresolved issues raised by both sides, including written comments and requests submitted during the pre-trial proceedings. Alonto Adiong clarified that Senate Secretary and Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. has no authority to resolve contested pleadings or evidentiary disputes, as these fall under the jurisdiction of the impeachment court.
“Any questions or matters affecting the presentation of evidence will be reported to and resolved by the impeachment court itself, not the clerk of court,” he said.
The Senate impeachment court completed the pre-trial proceedings on June 25. The trial is scheduled to officially commence on July 6, with the pre-trial order expected to provide both sides with guidance on how to proceed efficiently and fairly.