MANILA, Philippines — House prosecution panel lead Gerville Luistro on Monday urged the Senate impeachment court to ensure that any adjustment to the tentative timeline for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte moves the proceedings forward rather than delay them, citing the constitutional requirement for a prompt trial.
Luistro said the 1987 Constitution requires not only the convening of the impeachment court but also the immediate conduct of trial proceedings, including the presentation of evidence and witnesses.
“The constitutional mandate of ‘forthwith’ does not only refer to the convening of the impeachment court. It says ‘trial forthwith,’” Luistro said. “If there will be any changes to July 6, it should be earlier and not later.”
Her statement came amid discussions in the Senate on its legislative agenda and other committee matters, which raised questions about the schedule for the impeachment proceedings.
The Senate has previously indicated tentative dates of June 15 for a pre-trial conference and July 6 for the start of trial, pending formal confirmation from the impeachment court.
Luistro said the House prosecution panel remains prepared to proceed once the Senate impeachment court finalizes the schedule.
“We are more inclined to be positive and forward-looking this time because the impeachment court has convened,” she said.
She also said the prosecution panel is preparing required pre-trial submissions, including witness lists, stipulations, and documentary evidence, in line with impeachment procedures.
Luistro added that concerns remain over possible procedural delays, including motions that could affect the progression of the case, but said the panel will continue to respect the authority of senator-judges during the proceedings.
She said the prosecution has not yet received formal notice from the Senate impeachment court regarding finalized dates.
Sara Duterte is expected to submit her answer to the Articles of Impeachment within the period prescribed under Senate impeachment rules, following issuance of the writ of summons by the impeachment court.
