The pre-trial conference for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, which began on Thursday, June 18, will resume next week after both camps were unable to complete the marking of documentary evidence during the first day of proceedings.

Duterte’s defense team spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said the process took longer than expected due to the volume of documents that both sides needed to review and compare.

“We anticipate returning on Monday (June 22), and we've already been informed that there will be another session for the marking process,” Poa said in a mix of English and Filipino. “Hopefully, we can finish everything by Monday. If not, we're prepared to come back on Tuesday (June 23) as well,” he added.

Poa explained that it remains difficult to provide a definite timeline for the completion of the pre-trial proceedings because of the extensive documentary evidence involved in the remaining Articles of Impeachment.

Poa said only part of the documentary evidence has been marked so far, with some articles containing voluminous records that require careful examination.

He noted that the marking process typically takes time because both parties must verify and compare documents.

“It’s not really that fast because we have to compare documents,” Poa said. “It's only natural and normal that the marking does not proceed very quickly.”

Poa said it would be in the defense's best interest for the pre-trial conference to conclude as soon as possible, but stressed that a thorough review of the evidence remains necessary.

Despite the extended proceedings, the defense remains optimistic that the impeachment trial can begin as scheduled on July 6.

The defense and prosecution have agreed to maintain their respective witness lists, Poa said, adding that neither side objected to the witnesses proposed by the other.

For its part, the defense is expected to present around 25 to 30 witnesses, although the exact number has yet to be finalized because reserve witnesses remain under consideration.

“Probably in the coming days, I'll give you a more concrete figure,” Poa said.

Among those listed as possible defense witnesses are former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, and several officials from government agencies and oversight bodies.

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Poa also sought to dispel reports circulating online suggesting tensions between the prosecution and defense panels during the conference.

“I just want to make it clear that it is normal for both sides to have arguments,” Poa said.

“However, we cannot say that there is already real tension because that is normal in any pre-trial proceeding—not just in an impeachment case, but also in regular cases,” he added.

Poa emphasized that disagreements were limited to procedural matters and did not affect the professional working relationship between the two camps.

“There's nothing personal about it; it's just work,” Poa said. “In fact, we still talk with the prosecution. We haven't seen any problem at all.”

Earlier in the day, Poa likewise described the proceedings as productive despite differing views on certain issues.

“There were disagreements, but even then, I think it was a good morning because both parties were able to settle differences para mapadali, ayun naman ang gusto nating lahat (to expedite the process, which is what everyone wants),” he said.

One of the agreements reached during the conference was for both sides to submit written comments on the stipulation of facts next week, a move aimed at accelerating the proceedings.

Poa said the arrangement was facilitated through the clerk of court and would help streamline the remaining pre-trial requirements.

The Senate impeachment court earlier scheduled the pre-trial conference to address matters such as the stipulation of facts, marking of evidence, identification of witnesses, scheduling of hearings, and other issues that could facilitate a fair and expeditious trial.

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in May and faces allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

On June 1, her legal team filed its answer to the Articles of Impeachment and sought the dismissal of the case.

With additional pre-trial sessions scheduled next week, both camps are working to complete the remaining procedural requirements ahead of the anticipated opening of the impeachment trial on July 6.

During the interview, Poa also noted that Duterte is prepared to participate in the proceedings if necessary.

“Kung kinakailangan, but sa ngayon, hindi pa natin masasabi kung kailan iyon o kung mangyayari iyon (If necessary, but for now, we cannot yet say when that would happen or whether it will happen),” he said.