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Advocates Philippines
Luistro Hopes Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Ends Before Christmas
Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines
House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro said she hopes the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will be completed before Christmas, saying it would be ideal for the proceedings to wrap up before the year ends.
“Ako, I am personally aiming before Christmas para masaya ang Pasko natin lahat,” Luistro said during a press conference on Wednesday after the sixth day of the trial.
Luistro made the remark when asked about the prosecution’s timeline following its decision to reduce the number of witnesses under Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment.
She said the prosecution is currently reviewing its witness list for the remaining three articles, explaining that adjustments may still be made depending on how the trial unfolds.
“Well, we are in the process of re-evaluating the list of our witnesses for the three succeeding articles,” Luistro said.
“But of course, you have to consider also that there are times when it is the exigency of the trial that demands for the withdrawal of some of the witnesses,” she added.
According to Luistro, the prosecution decided to withdraw several witnesses under Article IV after evaluating the testimonies already given by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Agent John Mark Calilung and Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.
She explained that the prosecution can only determine whether more witnesses are needed after hearing the complete testimonies of those already presented before the impeachment court.
“Indeed, it is only after you’ve heard entirely the testimony of these witnesses when you will be able to evaluate, sapat na ba? Kulang ba? Kailangan bang dagdagan?” Luistro said.
The lead prosecutor also noted that the prosecution reserved the right in its pre-trial brief to either withdraw witnesses or call additional ones if developments during the proceedings make it necessary.
“Kung hindi man pagwi-withdraw, pwede rin magkaroon ng additional if the exigency of the trial demands,” she said.
Luistro said NBI Director Melvin Matibag is scheduled to testify on Tuesday as the prosecution’s final witness under Article IV. After his testimony, the impeachment trial is expected to move to Article I, which centers on the alleged misuse and irregular disbursement of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
“Ako, I am personally aiming before Christmas para masaya ang Pasko natin lahat,” Luistro said during a press conference on Wednesday after the sixth day of the trial.
Luistro made the remark when asked about the prosecution’s timeline following its decision to reduce the number of witnesses under Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment.
She said the prosecution is currently reviewing its witness list for the remaining three articles, explaining that adjustments may still be made depending on how the trial unfolds.
“Well, we are in the process of re-evaluating the list of our witnesses for the three succeeding articles,” Luistro said.
“But of course, you have to consider also that there are times when it is the exigency of the trial that demands for the withdrawal of some of the witnesses,” she added.
According to Luistro, the prosecution decided to withdraw several witnesses under Article IV after evaluating the testimonies already given by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Agent John Mark Calilung and Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.
She explained that the prosecution can only determine whether more witnesses are needed after hearing the complete testimonies of those already presented before the impeachment court.
“Indeed, it is only after you’ve heard entirely the testimony of these witnesses when you will be able to evaluate, sapat na ba? Kulang ba? Kailangan bang dagdagan?” Luistro said.
The lead prosecutor also noted that the prosecution reserved the right in its pre-trial brief to either withdraw witnesses or call additional ones if developments during the proceedings make it necessary.
“Kung hindi man pagwi-withdraw, pwede rin magkaroon ng additional if the exigency of the trial demands,” she said.
Luistro said NBI Director Melvin Matibag is scheduled to testify on Tuesday as the prosecution’s final witness under Article IV. After his testimony, the impeachment trial is expected to move to Article I, which centers on the alleged misuse and irregular disbursement of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
Jul 16, 2026
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