Senate wraps-up pre-trial in VP Sara impeachment

The Senate has moved one step closer to a historic impeachment trial as it formally concluded the pre-trial conference involving Vice President Sara Duterte, setting the stage for full proceedings to begin on July 6.

Over five working sessions held from June 18 to 25, the Senate Impeachment Court focused on organizing and assessing documentary evidence submitted by both the House prosecution panel and Duterte’s legal team.

The completion of this phase signals the end of the preparatory stage and shifts attention toward the presentation of evidence before senator-judges.

Senate Secretary and Clerk of the Impeachment Court Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed that work will now begin on drafting the Pre-Trial Order, a crucial document that will outline how the trial will proceed.

“It looks like we’ll be able to complete the marking tonight. We’re very, very hopeful and optimistic that we’ll be able to complete the marking of all documentary evidence,” Bantug said after the final day of the conference.

The impeachment case traces its roots to the House of Representatives, which approved the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte on May 11. These were transmitted to the Senate three days later, prompting the chamber to convene as an impeachment court on May 18.

Senators subsequently took their oath as judges, and a writ of summons was issued directing Duterte to respond within the prescribed period.

The pre-trial phase played a critical role in streamlining the upcoming proceedings. Rather than immediately calling witnesses, both sides were tasked with identifying evidence, listing witnesses, and agreeing on undisputed facts.

This process also allowed procedural concerns to be addressed in advance, ensuring a more efficient trial.

At the center of the next steps is the Pre-Trial Order, which will define the framework of the case. It will detail the issues to be resolved, the evidence recognized by both camps, the witnesses expected to testify, and any stipulations reached during pre-trial.

Once finalized, it will serve as the main guide for the remainder of the impeachment process unless modified by the court.

When the trial officially opens, the House prosecution panel, led by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, will deliver its opening statement and begin presenting evidence and witnesses.

Duterte’s defense team, headed by lead counsel Sheila Sison, will respond after the prosecution rests its case. Senators, acting as judges, will not directly question witnesses but will instead submit written queries through the presiding officer.

The final outcome will hinge on a Senate vote following deliberations. Under the Constitution, conviction requires the support of at least two-thirds of all senators—equivalent to 16 votes in the 24-member chamber.

A guilty verdict would remove Duterte from office and could include a lifetime ban from holding public office, while an acquittal would allow her to remain in her position.