By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has formally empowered its prosecution panel to act on behalf of the chamber in all pre-trial proceedings and related matters before the Senate impeachment court as preparations intensify for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The move came during Wednesday’s special session, a day before the scheduled start of the impeachment pre-trial conference on June 18.
House Assistant Majority Leader and prosecutor Isabel Maria Zamora introduced a motion authorizing the prosecution team to represent the House in all pre-trial activities and incidental proceedings connected to the impeachment case.
The motion was approved without objection.
Under the authority granted by the chamber, the prosecution panel may negotiate stipulations and admissions of facts, identify documentary evidence, determine the number of witnesses to be presented, propose trial schedules, and undertake other actions necessary to advance the proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.
The resolution likewise authorizes the House prosecutors to engage private legal counsels, technical experts, consultants, and other specialists who may assist in the preparation and presentation of the case.
Lawmakers said the authority is intended to ensure a coordinated and efficient presentation of evidence as the impeachment proceedings move forward.
The House prosecution team has previously declared its readiness for the pre-trial phase, saying it has spent several weeks preparing legal strategies, documentary evidence, and witness testimonies.
Thursday’s pre-trial conference is expected to address procedural matters, define issues for litigation, and establish the framework that will govern the impeachment trial.
The Senate impeachment court is set to hear the case stemming from the articles of impeachment approved by the House against Duterte, marking one of the most significant political proceedings in recent years.
ia/xf
