The House prosecution panel has expanded its list of potential witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte from 25 to 57, as it moves to finalize evidence and procedural requirements ahead of the Senate pre-trial phase.
Lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said the expanded list was intended to ensure that all relevant testimony and documentary evidence are properly identified and marked during pre-trial proceedings, in line with impeachment rules.
“We became very conscious about the rule that witnesses and exhibits which are not marked or presented during pre-trial cannot be presented during trial. Ibig sabihin, nagsigurado na kami,” the House lead prosecutor said.
She said the prosecution panel included all possible witnesses and materials deemed relevant to the four Articles of Impeachment in the pre-trial brief submitted to the Senate on Monday.
The solon confirmed that while the earlier working list stood at around 25 witnesses, the final number rose significantly after prosecutors opted to include all individuals who may have relevance to the case.
“So we included every piece of evidence na alam namin may relevance whatsoever dito sa impeachment,” she said.
The lawmaker from Batangas emphasized that impeachment procedures do not allow “surprise witnesses,” noting that all intended testimonies and exhibits must be disclosed, listed, and formally marked during pre-trial to be admissible during trial proper.
“Hindi puwede. Bawal ang surprise witnesses. That is why lahat ng ebidensya dapat mamarkahan during pre-trial,” she noted.
She added that failure to include witnesses or documents at this stage would bar their presentation once the trial begins on July 6.
Despite the expanded list, she assured the prosecution has yet to determine how many of the 57 witnesses will ultimately be called to testify, noting that the decision will depend on trial strategy.
“But of course it is the discretion of the prosecution kung ‘yan bang 57 na ‘yan… ipi-present lahat during the trial,” she said.
She said the article involving alleged misuse of confidential funds is expected to involve the largest number of witnesses due to the volume of supporting records that must be authenticated in court.
She likewise clarified that any evidence intended for presentation must already be reflected in the pre-trial brief, which she said will form part of the official record of the impeachment proceedings.
The House prosecution panel submitted its 57-page pre-trial brief on Monday ahead of the June 18 pre-trial conference before the Senate impeachment court.
The prosecution team has maintained that it is prepared to present evidence across all four Articles of Impeachment, which include allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against top government officials.