MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court on Thursday began pre-trial proceedings for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the first official meeting between the prosecution and defense panels ahead of the full trial.
The preliminary conference was presided over by Senate Secretary and Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr., together with Deputy Clerks of Court Marivic Laurel-Garcia and Maria Valentina Cruz.
Representing the prosecution was the House of Representatives impeachment panel led by Gerville Luistro. The defense panel, meanwhile, was headed by lawyer Michael Poa, who appeared on behalf of the Vice President.
The pre-trial conference serves as the initial procedural stage of the impeachment process, allowing both parties to discuss trial procedures, stipulations of facts, documentary evidence, witness lists, and other matters intended to streamline the proceedings before formal hearings begin.
