Pre-trial order for Sara Duterte impeachment sent to prosecution, defense

The Senate impeachment court has sent the pre-trial order to the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte and the House prosecution panel, Senate secretary, and impeachment clerk of court Atty. Renato Bantug said on Monday.

Bantug announced this after the defense and the prosecution held five pre-trial conferences.

The pre-trial order will serve as the roadmap for Duterte's impeachment trial, taking into account the position of both the House prosecution panel and Duterte’s defense team in the facts, witnesses, and trial dates related to the case.

"Released to the parties by electronic mail. Printed copies to be hand-delivered," Bantug said.

In the pre-trial order for Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, a copy of which was obtained by GMA News, 57 witnesses were listed by the prosecution, 45 by the defense.

Of these, 17 are common witnesses, including Ramil Madriaga, who claimed to be VP Duterte's former aide and alleged bagman, and former Sen Antonio Trillanes IV.

"The examination of witnesses shall be conducted in open court, unless otherwise ordered by the Impeachment Court," the order said.

The pre-trial order also stated that trial will start on July 6 at 2 pm and will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays until July 27, 2026. Thereafter, trial will be held at 3 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until its termination.

The proposed number of trial dates is 62 for the prosecution, and 30 for the respondent. –NB, GMA News