Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro has expressed support for opening the pre-trial conference in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte to the media and the public. This comes after the first pre-trial session was closed to the press, with only limited portions such as the roll call of attending lawyers being allowed for coverage.
Luistro Advocates for Transparency
In a statement, Luistro emphasized the importance of public understanding but also acknowledged the need to consider the impeachment court's reasons for restricting access. According to Luistro, the pre-trial conference is meticulous, repetitive, and labor-intensive, particularly during the marking of evidence, which may be a concern for the court.
However, Luistro noted that all discussions and decisions from the conferences will eventually be made public through a pre-trial order once the series of conferences is completed. The next conference is scheduled for the following week, where the prosecution and defense panels will again face off at the Senate.
Background of the Case
The impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has drawn significant public interest, with the first pre-trial conference held behind closed doors. The decision to limit media access sparked debates on transparency and the public's right to information.
Luistro's stance aligns with calls for greater openness in the proceedings, though he also cautioned that the court's processes must be respected. The upcoming conference is expected to address further procedural matters and evidence presentation.
