The House prosecution team will present more than 30 witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to House Lead Prosecutor Gerville Luistro.
Speaking during a press briefing, Luistro confirmed that the list of witnesses is included in the pre-trial brief submitted by the prosecution panel.
Luistro said the prosecution recognizes the existing rule that only witnesses identified during the pre-trial process will be allowed to testify during the impeachment proceedings.
He emphasized the importance of the pre-trial brief, noting that it contains the stipulation of facts that will be presented to the opposing party. The document is intended to determine which facts will be admitted or denied before the formal trial begins.
According to Luistro, the process is designed to narrow down the issues that will be contested by both camps during the impeachment trial. If the defense admits certain facts, prosecutors will no longer need to establish those matters through additional evidence and witness testimony.
The lawmaker also disclosed that the prosecution team has prepared a substantial amount of evidence for the proceedings. He said the exhibits are extensive, particularly for two of the articles of impeachment involving allegations of unexplained wealth and the use of confidential funds.
The pre-trial conference is expected to play a crucial role in organizing the presentation of evidence and witness testimonies before the formal impeachment trial proceeds.
The House prosecution team has maintained that its preparations are focused on presenting documentary evidence and witness accounts related to the allegations outlined in the articles of impeachment.
Further details regarding the witnesses and specific pieces of evidence are expected to emerge as the impeachment proceedings move forward.
