The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte is set to begin on Monday, July 6, with House prosecutors saying they are ready to present their case before the Filipino public after weeks of waiting.
House impeachment prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua said the prosecution panel expects the trial to finally move forward when the Senate convenes as an impeachment court at 2 p.m.
“The long wait is over. Sa Lunes ay inaasahan po nating magsisimula na ang trial na matagal nang inaantay ng ating mga kababayan,” Chua said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
The proceedings are expected to begin with opening statements from the prosecution and the defense.
Chua said the impeachment court may also rule on four pending motions filed by the House prosecution panel, including requests involving the use of Filipino and English during the trial, witness notification rules, the participation of public and private prosecutors in witness examination, and the handling of the sealed Bureau of Internal Revenue box.
“So, meron po tayong apat na motions na nakahain na inaasahan po natin sa Lunes ay mareresolba na,” Chua said.
The prosecution has asked the impeachment court to allow both Filipino and English during the proceedings, arguing that this would make the trial easier for the public to follow.
It also wants both parties to notify each other of witnesses at least three days before they testify and to allow both public and private prosecutors to examine witnesses during the trial.
Another key issue is the sealed BIR box, which contains income tax returns and related tax records obtained by the House Committee on Justice through a subpoena during its impeachment inquiry.
The box remained unopened during pre-trial proceedings after Senate officials said only the impeachment court—not the clerk of court—has the authority to decide whether it may be opened.
House prosecutors have said the documents are relevant to the allegation of unexplained wealth under the Articles of Impeachment and are seeking to have the box opened and its contents formally marked as evidence.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in May. She is facing allegations involving the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery involving Department of Education personnel, and threats against the country’s top officials.