Manila: The House prosecution panel has strategically reassigned lead prosecutors for two of the four articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. This move is intended to enhance the team's preparedness in anticipation of the pretrial proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Batangas Representative Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro announced during a press conference that Manila Representative Joel Chua will now lead the prosecution team handling the article concerning the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds. Meanwhile, Bukidnon Representative Jonathan Keith Flores will spearhead the article on alleged bribery. The leadership for the other two articles remains unchanged, with Iloilo Representative Lorenz Defensor overseeing the article on alleged grave threats and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon managing the article on alleged unexplained wealth.
Luistro mentioned that further adjustments might be made as the prosecution team refines its strategy and evidence presentation. She emphasized that the prosecution has the exclusive authority to decide on the details of presenting their evidence. The team is currently focused on preparing for the pretrial conference, which is expected to streamline evidence and witness presentation during the trial.
Under the impeachment rules, both parties are required to submit stipulations of facts, identify witnesses, and mark documentary exhibits during the pretrial stage. Luistro highlighted the importance of this process, noting that three of the four articles of impeachment involve extensive documentary evidence. These include the articles related to the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and unexplained wealth.
While media reports have suggested that the pretrial conference could occur on June 15 and the trial might commence on July 6, Luistro stated that the prosecution panel has not yet received any official notice from the Senate impeachment court. She expressed confidence that the proceedings would advance following the Senate's formal convening as an impeachment court.
The prosecution panel is actively conducting workshops, reviewing documentary evidence, and holding mock trials in preparation for the anticipated impeachment proceedings. Luistro stressed the importance of adhering to the constitutional mandate for a prompt trial, indicating that any changes to the tentative trial schedule should move the proceedings forward rather than delay them.
Her comments come amidst Senate discussions about resuming investigations into alleged flood-control corruption, which could impact the impeachment calendar. Luistro, who participated in the first impeachment effort against the vice president in the 19th Congress, expressed concerns about potential procedural delays but maintained trust in the senator-judges' judgment.
Despite the controversies surrounding some members of the Senate, Luistro reiterated her faith in their constitutional duty to conduct a fair impeachment trial. She expressed hope that the dates reported in the media for the pre-trial conference and trial start would proceed as planned, emphasizing that any changes to the July 6 trial date should result in an earlier start, not a postponement.
Vice President Duterte is expected to file her response to the articles of impeachment by June 1, within the 10-day period granted to her. The prosecution panel is prepared to respond promptly, within the five-day period allowed under the impeachment rules.
