CONGRESSMEN-PROSECUTORS on Monday filed a pre-trial transient within the impeachment case against Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio, detailing documentary evidence and at the very least 25 witnesses.
The transient includes proposed stipulations of proven fact that could narrow issues during trial, lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville R. Luistro told a news briefing.
“In the event that they admit our offer for stipulation, it means it needn’t be proved,” she said. “But in the event that they deny our offer for stipulation, then it means it needs to be proven throughout the presentation of evidence.”
House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy V. Garafil filed the pre-trial transient before the Senate impeachment court at 5:20 p.m., her office said in a press release.
A replica of the filing was not immediately made available to media.
The identities of some witnesses and documentary evidence may not be disclosed on the pre-trial stage for security reasons, Ms. Luistro said.
“It’s greater than 25. The variety of witnesses isn’t only 25, it’s not only 30, it’s much more,” she said.
Prosecutors are preparing to present extensive documentary records, particularly on allegations tied to confidential funds and unexplained wealth.
The lawmaker said some articles of impeachment involve voluminous exhibits that may be marked throughout the pre-trial process.
“There are a lot of… because you already know there are two articles that basically have voluminous exhibits. These include the allegations on unexplained wealth,” she said in mixed English and Filipino.
The House prosecution panel consists of 11 congressmen and supported by 10 private prosecutors. Members are set to attend the pre-trial conference on June 18 before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court.
Ms. Luistro said prosecutors would likely raise procedural matters on the conference, including whether to adopt an “open rule” in questioning witnesses and whether to permit the usage of Filipino where feasible.
“It is because we understand it is a constitutional process, this isn’t purely legal, what’s at stake is the interest of the Filipino people,” she said.
Under a restrictive rule, cross-examination and recross-examination are limited to matters raised during direct examination and prior questioning.
The pre-trial conference will probably be closed to media, though Ms. Luistro said all agreements reached by each parties could be disclosed in open proceedings.
“Whatever stipulations proposed by the prosecution that were admitted by the defense, we are going to manifest that throughout the pre-trial,” she said. “The identical is true with respect to the defense.”
She said each side would present their witness lists and discover documents to be marked as evidence, which will probably be formally manifested before the impeachment court.
“And all of the documents marked or to be marked will probably be manifested as well not only by the prosecution, but additionally by the defense,” she added.
The Senate impeachment court is predicted to issue a pre-trial order after reviewing submissions and agreements from the conference. The order will define the scope of evidence, witnesses and procedures for the trial proper.
Ms. Luistro said prosecutors aim to make the proceedings accessible to the general public and urged each mainstream and online platforms to make sure accurate reporting of developments within the case.
She also proposed measures to broaden public access, including translation of proceedings into various Philippine languages so more residents could follow the trial.
“In any case, it is a constitutional process,” she said. “We would like all the nation to walk with us as we start, proceed and conclude the impeachment trial.”
The impeachment trial is about to start on July 6. — P.J. Bacon