The pre-trial conference for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte will begin Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Senate in Manila.
The conference will address stipulation of facts, marking of evidence, identification of witnesses, and setting of trial dates. The House prosecution panel submitted a 57-page pre-trial brief on Monday, while Duterte’s defense filed a 70-page brief. The prosecution plans to present over 30 witnesses.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug noted that the conference is scheduled until June 25, though the timeline depends on the briefs. The pre-trial will be closed to the public.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the majority bloc reached a consensus to elect Sen. Francis Escudero as presiding officer if the impeachment court convenes. The trial itself is set for July 6.
