Vice President Sara Duterte and her legal team will be formally provided with the prosecution’s evidence through the pre-trial brief ahead of the Senate impeachment court’s proceedings.
San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora confirmed that both the defense and prosecution are expected to attend the pre-trial conference scheduled on June 18, where procedural matters and case materials will be discussed prior to the start of the trial proper.
“Definitely, they will be informed because they will be given a copy of our pre-trial brief in the same way that they will be giving us also a copy of their pre-trial brief,” she said, addressing concerns over access to evidence.
She explained that the pre-trial process is designed to ensure that both sides are fully aware of the evidence, witnesses, and issues that will be raised before the impeachment court.
“Kung ano man ang nakalagay po sa pre-trial brief namin, makikita nila ‘yun, at sila rin po ay kailangan mag-submit ng kanilang pre-trial brief which we will all discuss at the pre-trial conference on Thursday,” she added.
The House prosecution panel submitted its pre-trial brief earlier this week as part of the formal process of identifying witnesses, documentary evidence, stipulations, and legal issues that will shape the trial.
Zamora also stressed that the prosecution has refrained from discussing the merits of the case publicly since the impeachment court was convened, citing sub judice restrictions.
“Wala kaming nilalabas na ebidensya, wala kaming sinasabi about the merits because as we have said, we’re under sub judice,” she said.
“Bawal po kami maglabas ng ebidensya. Bawal po kami mag-discuss ng merito ng kaso ngayon,” she added.
She said the defense remains free to present its case and evidence before the proper forum, noting that the prosecution expects both sides to fully substantiate their positions during trial.
“And in fact, to their statement that they will just release it at the court, then that’s great. Because we expect them to state their case and to present their evidence if they have evidence,” the solon from San Juan stressed.
She also rejected claims that the House prosecution panel is controlling the narrative or limiting public discussion of the case.
“You know we never said that we should not listen to Vice President Sara Duterte or to her lawyers,” she noted, adding that the prosecution has repeatedly invited responses during earlier committee proceedings.
House prosecution spokesperson Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong likewise said the defense cannot prevent updates on procedural developments from being shared with the public.
“If they choose to remain silent about all of these things, that’s their business. But they cannot dictate upon us not to inform the public of every development that is happening when it comes to the issue of impeachment,” the Lanao del Sur lawmaker said.
He added that transparency is necessary in a case of national significance.
“Because the public deserves to know. They deserve clarity,” he said.
The pre-trial conference is expected to finalize key procedural issues before the impeachment trial formally begins on July 6.