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Advocates Philippines
Luistro: Pre-Trial Order Will Serve As Roadmap For VP Sara Impeachment Trial
Photo credit: Congress PH
The pre-trial order in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte will serve as the official guide for the proceedings, with both the prosecution and defense expected to strictly follow its provisions throughout the trial, according to lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro.
Speaking on a radio interview, Luistro explained that the ongoing pre-trial conference before the Senate impeachment court is designed to streamline the proceedings, clarify key issues, and ensure a fair and efficient trial ahead of its scheduled start on July 6.
She described the pre-trial order as a blueprint that will govern how the case is handled once formal hearings begin, stressing that both parties are generally prohibited from deviating from what is agreed upon during pre-trial.
According to Luistro, one of the main objectives of the conference is to identify facts that both sides can already agree on, eliminating the need to present evidence on matters that are no longer disputed. This process, known as the stipulation of facts, helps narrow down the issues that will be contested during the trial.
The Batangas lawmaker also said the pre-trial stage allows both parties to submit their witness lists, enabling the impeachment court to estimate how many hearing dates will be needed for the prosecution and defense to present their cases.
Another important aspect of the process is the marking of documentary evidence and exhibits. Luistro noted that completing these procedural requirements before the trial proper prevents unnecessary delays during the presentation of evidence.
The Senate impeachment court began its pre-trial conference on June 18 and is set to continue discussions on June 22 as both camps finalize issues related to witnesses, evidence, and trial procedures.
The House prosecution panel has already submitted its pre-trial brief and is preparing to present evidence supporting the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, who has denied the allegations and maintains that the case is politically motivated.
Speaking on a radio interview, Luistro explained that the ongoing pre-trial conference before the Senate impeachment court is designed to streamline the proceedings, clarify key issues, and ensure a fair and efficient trial ahead of its scheduled start on July 6.
She described the pre-trial order as a blueprint that will govern how the case is handled once formal hearings begin, stressing that both parties are generally prohibited from deviating from what is agreed upon during pre-trial.
According to Luistro, one of the main objectives of the conference is to identify facts that both sides can already agree on, eliminating the need to present evidence on matters that are no longer disputed. This process, known as the stipulation of facts, helps narrow down the issues that will be contested during the trial.
The Batangas lawmaker also said the pre-trial stage allows both parties to submit their witness lists, enabling the impeachment court to estimate how many hearing dates will be needed for the prosecution and defense to present their cases.
Another important aspect of the process is the marking of documentary evidence and exhibits. Luistro noted that completing these procedural requirements before the trial proper prevents unnecessary delays during the presentation of evidence.
The Senate impeachment court began its pre-trial conference on June 18 and is set to continue discussions on June 22 as both camps finalize issues related to witnesses, evidence, and trial procedures.
The House prosecution panel has already submitted its pre-trial brief and is preparing to present evidence supporting the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, who has denied the allegations and maintains that the case is politically motivated.
Jun 19, 2026
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