The House prosecution team has begun detailed preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with prosecutors now assigned to specific Articles of Impeachment as the case moves toward the next procedural stages before the Senate impeachment court.
House trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong said the 11-member prosecution panel has completed its initial public presentation and internal division of work to ensure a more organized and evidence-based presentation once trial proceedings begin.
“Sa ngayon, they have already assigned the articles of impeachment to those 11-panel House prosecution team para may focus ‘yung magiging presentation nito sa Senado acting as an impeachment court,” the lawmaker said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
The panel is now awaiting the formal answer or comment of the Vice President’s defense team on the Articles of Impeachment.
Adiong said the defense has until June 1 to submit its response. After that, the House prosecution team will file its own reply within the period set by the impeachment court.
“We’re just waiting for the release of the comments of the defense. In this case, the team of the respondent, Vice President Sara Duterte, her comments on the articles of impeachment. Then, thereafter, the House prosecution team will also be releasing their response,” he said.
He noted that the exchange of pleadings will help define the issues to be tackled during trial and clarify the matters to be addressed during pre-trial.
The prosecution expects the Senate impeachment court to set the pre-trial phase after the filing of the necessary responses. He described pre-trial as a crucial stage where both parties will lay down the rules, mark evidence, and identify potential witnesses.
“Pre-trial, this is basically laying down the ground rules, markings of evidence, and the identification of potential witnesses from both sides. That would actually give us an idea of how the flow of the impeachment trial would go,” he said.
While waiting for the next filing deadline, the House panel has started reviewing its assigned articles, aligning legal strategy, preparing documentary and testimonial evidence, and organizing its presentation for the Senate.
The solon said the prosecution team recognizes the seriousness of its constitutional role and is preparing with the diligence required in an impeachment proceeding, given its legal, political, and public significance.
The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, will determine the trial schedule and procedural rules once the pleadings are completed.