No documentary evidence has been removed from the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte during the ongoing pretrial proceedings before the Senate impeachment court, House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro clarified on Monday.
Luistro issued the clarification following questions on whether records, documentary exhibits, or witnesses presented by either the prosecution or defense had already been excluded from consideration during the pretrial conference.
“As to striking off records, no. That is not supposed to happen during pre-trial conference,” Luistro told reporters at the Senate.
She explained that issues involving the admissibility of documentary evidence are not tackled during pretrial proceedings and will only be addressed once the impeachment trial formally begins.
“By striking off, you are addressing the admissibility of the documentary exhibits, and that is not allowed,” she said.
Luistro declined to discuss specific details regarding the evidence, witnesses, and stipulations of fact currently being taken up by both parties, citing limitations on commenting on the merits of the case.
“Please understand that we cannot dwell on the merits of this impeachment trial, and that includes the details on the stipulation of facts, the list of witnesses, and even the marking of documents,” she said.
The House prosecutor described the atmosphere during the pretrial conference as intense but professional, saying both camps remain focused on presenting their respective cases.
“The atmosphere is very passionate in the sense that the prosecution is very much committed to prove its case, while the defense is likewise very much committed to prove the innocence of the respondent,” Luistro said.
The prosecution and defense panels are currently completing the marking of documentary exhibits in preparation for the issuance of a pretrial order by the Senate impeachment court.
The impeachment trial of Duterte is scheduled to begin on July 6.
Photo from Manila Bulletin
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