House prosecutors eye use of Filipino, translations for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

House lead impeachment prosecutor Representative Gerville Luistro on Monday said they will formally submit the possibility of using Filipino during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

At a press conference, Luistro said the prosecution will raise the possibility of using the Filipino language during the upcoming pre-trial conference on Thursday.

“This is because we understand that this is a constitutional process. This is not purely legal. What is at stake is the interest of the Filipino people. So it is our intention na lahat ng mangyayari (that all proceedings) during the impeachment trial should be understandable on the part of ordinary Filipinos,” she said.

Luistro said they are also eyeing the possibility of simultaneous translations during the trial.

“Sana habang nag ta-trial. Meron tayong translation to as many dialects as possible in order to make sure that the entire Philippine nation is on the same page,” she said.

(I hope that while the trial is ongoing, we will have translations into as many dialects as possible in order to make sure that the entire Philippine nation is on the same page.)

“After all, this is a constitutional process. We want the entire nation to walk with us as we start, continue, and conclude the impeachment trial,” she added.

Sign language

Meanwhile, House Impeachment Team Spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong welcomed the possibility of using sign language.

“I think we have to be more inclusive, ‘di ba? This is for the nation, this is for the people, this is for our country. So everyone. All sectors. Not only language barrier but even those who have difficulty expressing themselves through spoken language,” he said.

The House Prosecution panel is set to submit the pre-trial brief for Duterte's impeachment today. Luistro explained that the pre-trial brief will contain a stipulation of facts that the defense team could admit or deny.

“If they admit our offer for stipulation, it means it need not be proved. But if they deny our offer for stipulation, then it means it has to be proven during the presentation of evidence,” she said.

The pre-trial brief also contains the list of witnesses and documents that will be presented during the presentation of evidence. — RSJ, GMA News