MANILA, Philippines — The Senate Impeachment Court has scheduled a pre-trial conference on June 18 in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the next step in proceedings that could lead to a full-blown trial.
Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced that the pre-trial conference will begin at 4 p.m. on June 18, following the Senate’s convening as an impeachment court. The conference is expected to address procedural matters, including the identification of issues, evidence, witnesses, and stipulations between the prosecution and defense before trial proper begins.
The House of Representatives’ prosecution panel confirmed on Tuesday that it had received official notice from the Senate Impeachment Court regarding the scheduled conference. The prosecutors said they are preparing the documentary evidence and witness testimonies that will be presented during the proceedings.
The impeachment case stems from allegations against Duterte that include the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, betrayal of public trust, and threats against top government officials. Duterte has repeatedly denied the accusations and has described the impeachment effort as politically motivated.
House prosecutors have been conducting mock trials and pre-marking evidence in anticipation of the Senate proceedings. According to members of the prosecution panel, the pre-trial phase will help streamline the presentation of evidence and establish facts that may no longer be disputed during the trial.
The scheduling of the pre-trial conference comes amid political tensions in the Senate following a leadership dispute that saw Gatchalian recognized as acting Senate president. Despite the controversy, Senate leaders have assured the public that the impeachment process will move forward without delay.
The impeachment trial is considered one of the most significant political proceedings in recent Philippine history. If convicted by a two-thirds vote of the Senate, Duterte could be removed from office and barred from holding public office in the future, potentially affecting her reported plans for the 2028 presidential election.
Following the June 18 pre-trial conference, the Senate Impeachment Court is expected to finalize the timetable for the trial proper and other procedural requirements.
