The pre-trial conference for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte will resume on Monday, June 22, after both parties failed to complete the marking of all evidence. This was confirmed by Atty. Michael Poa, spokesperson for VP Sara's defense panel, following a closed-door pre-trial conference.
According to Poa, they have only finished marking evidence for one article of impeachment, with three more remaining to be discussed before the trial can formally begin. Article III includes allegations of bribery, graft and corruption, violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust against the Vice President.
Poa added that they hope to complete the entire process on Monday but are prepared to return on Tuesday if necessary. He also explained that it is difficult to determine when the pre-trial will end due to the volume of documents that need to be reviewed and marked for the other impeachment articles.
Despite this, the defense team believes it is still possible to meet the target start of the impeachment trial on July 6. Meanwhile, the defense and prosecution have reportedly agreed on their respective lists of witnesses. The Duterte camp is expected to present around 25 to 30 witnesses, including some reserve witnesses.
Poa clarified that arguments and discussions between the defense and prosecution during the pre-trial are normal and that there is no personal animosity between the two sides.
