Senate on track for July 6 start of Sara Duterte's impeachment trial – Bantug

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is on target in its preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 6, according to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug.

Bantug, who will serve as clerk of court during the proceedings, said the pre-trial conference is expected to conclude on Monday.

On the other hand, the pre-trial order is targeted for release before June 25, in accordance with the impeachment calendar.

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“For now, yes, that is what we are preparing for – to follow the impeachment calendar that was released last month. We are still adhering to that schedule,” Bantug said in an interview with DWIZ.

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He was asked to ascertain if the impeachment trial is 100 percent ready to begin on July 6.

The Senate secretary said the remaining task for the pre-trial conference is the marking of evidence for the remaining Articles of Impeachment.

He said preliminary matters, stipulations of facts, simplification of legal issues, witness lists, and estimates on the number of trial days needed by both parties have already been discussed.

Bantug added that both the prosecution and defense have already provided estimates on the expected duration of the trial, although he declined to disclose details until the pre-trial order is finalized.

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“They mentioned a possible duration for the trial, but for now, I would rather not disclose it until we have finalized it in the pre-trial order,” Bantug noted.

Asked about witnesses, Bantug said both sides are expected to present a substantial number of them, along with documentary and object evidence.

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Preparations are also underway for security measures, media accommodations, and room assignments ahead of the trial.

Bantug said the Senate may largely adopt logistical arrangements prepared for the impeachment proceedings that were initially expected to take place last year.

Under the current schedule, impeachment trial hearings will be held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. beginning on July 6. /apl

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