The defense panel in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte said Monday that the pre-trial conference could conclude by Thursday, although it noted that the process remains slowed by the volume of documentary evidence, particularly on allegations involving unexplained wealth.
Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said a significant portion of the pre-trial work is focused on marking voluminous documents under Article 2 of the Articles of Impeachment, which covers alleged unexplained wealth. He said both sides continue to present extensive documentary submissions that have extended the proceedings.
He added that the Vice President may personally attend the trial if circumstances require it.
Poa also said the defense is still in internal discussions on whether to move for the exclusion of certain charges for lack of basis, but did not provide details on which specific counts may be questioned.
“Pag-uusapan ‘yan definitely,” he said in a chance interview, referring to possible affirmative defenses.
On procedural matters, Poa said it will be up to the prosecution to determine the order of presenting the Articles of Impeachment during trial, though he stressed the importance of transparency in sequencing for due process.
“Gusto lang natin ma-disclose kung anong order para part of due process,” he said.
Asked about reports naming a possible presiding officer for the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, Poa described the matter as internal to the Senate but said the defense would review whether any rules or legal standards may be affected.
He also cautioned that the trial could extend beyond three months, depending on the pace of witness presentations and evidentiary proceedings.
“With the assessment, three months may be a bit tight,” Poa said, noting that while both sides are trying to expedite the process, the complexity of the evidence may require more time.
He declined to disclose further details of discussions held during the closed-door pre-trial conference, saying these remain part of ongoing procedural preparations ahead of trial proper.