The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte remains on schedule despite ongoing pre-trial proceedings before the Senate impeachment court, House prosecutor and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said.
Diokno said the pre-trial conference is expected to be completed within days and will not affect the July 6 start of the trial proper.
“Malamang matatapos ang pre-trial natin kung hindi bukas, sa makalawa,” he said.
He explained that the process takes time as both prosecution and defense are required to identify, mark, and organize documentary evidence to be presented during trial.
“Hindi lang prosecution ang magmamarka ng ebidensya, pati depensa. May kani-kaniyang markings ‘yan kaya talagang kumakain ng oras,” Diokno said.
Diokno also dismissed reports of alleged tensions during the June 18 pre-trial conference, saying differences between opposing sides are expected in legal proceedings.
“Sa pre-trial, normal lang na magkaiba ang pananaw ng magkabilang panig. Natural ang kontrahan sa ganitong proseso,” he said.
“Pero wala namang kakaiba o hindi inaasahan na nangyari sa pre-trial,” he added.
Despite the extensive review of evidence, Diokno said there is no indication that the trial schedule will be moved.
“Wala naman po. Hindi uurong ‘yan. Tuloy ang pag-start ng trial sa July 6,” he said.
The Senate impeachment court is currently conducting pre-trial proceedings to streamline the presentation of evidence and issues ahead of the formal trial.