The House prosecution panel is preparing its evidence and witnesses ahead of the pre-trial proceedings in the Senate impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The 11-member panel has been conducting mock trials and pre-marking evidence as part of preparations for the proceedings, which are expected to begin on July 6.
The pre-marking process involves identifying and organizing the evidence that the prosecution and defense intend to present during the trial. Both sides may also reserve the right to submit additional evidence if new matters arise during the proceedings.
The pre-trial stage is also expected to determine which facts may be admitted by both sides and which matters will have to be proven during the trial proper.
The prosecution said the process is important in establishing the evidence tied to the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, who is facing allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and threats.
According to the House panel, the Vice President’s answer to the impeachment complaint may also affect how issues are framed during pre-trial, particularly if certain allegations are not directly addressed or disputed.
The prosecution team is also studying whether to call hostile witnesses, or individuals whose interests may be adverse to the side summoning them. Such witnesses may help clarify key issues, but the panel is still weighing the risks before finalizing its list.
The prosecution said witnesses who previously testified in congressional hearings or executed sworn affidavits must be able to stand by their earlier statements if called during trial.
Concerns over possible leadership changes in the Senate should not delay the impeachment process, the panel added, stressing that the proceedings must continue regardless of political developments in the chamber.
“Ang Senado hindi dapat makaapekto sa proseso ng pananagutan. Kahit sino naman nandyan, dapat makita natin na magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung paglilitis at proseso,” House trial spokesperson and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co said.
The Senate impeachment court convened on May 18 and is planning to begin pre-trial proceedings on July 6, about a month after Duterte is expected to file her answer to the Articles of Impeachment.