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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No party dominated pre-trial conference, Senate secretary says

No party dominated pre-trial conference, Senate secretary says

Published Jun 22, 2026 12:49 pm  |  Updated Jun 22, 2026 01:02 pm

At A Glance

  • No party dominated the pre-trial conference of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug clarified on Monday, June 22.

No party dominated the pre-trial conference of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug clarified on Monday, June 22.

Bantug, who serves as clerk of court in the impeachment trial of the Vice President, told reporters before the resumption of the pre-trial conference on Monday morning, responding to allegations Duterte’s lead counsel reportedly outgunned the House prosecution panel.

“That’s not true. There were exchanges…there were some discussions. But again, (there was) nothing out of the ordinary,” Bantug said.

During the pre-trial conference last June 18, Duterte’s defense team led by Michael Poa, denied claims they came to the first day of the pre-trial conference unprepared. 

“I don’t understand where that is coming from. We have been preparing for the trial for the longest time,” Poa said.

Lead impeachment prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, in a press briefing, also brushed off such claims, charging it to “fake news.”

Nevertheless, Bantug said such exchanges are normal between lawyers whenever they discuss something serious.

“When lawyers are gathered in a room you can expect that to happen. It would be unusual if there would be no exchanges between them,” he said.

“It’s something that we expect whenever lawyers discuss something,” he pointed out. 

Moreover, Bantug said both the prosecution and defense teams tackled the presentation of surprise witnesses during the trial, noting that this is possible despite their prior submission of a list of witnesses. 

“Both parties have the right to make reservations as to witnesses that may not be available yet during pre-trial,” he said. 

"They would have to inform the parties of the calling of such witnesses at least three days before the scheduled appearance,” Bantug added.

Upon the completion of the pre-trial conference, Bantug said they would review the transcripts and the markings of documentary evidence before the drafting the pre-trial order.

This will then be submitted to the impeachment court. Bantug said he plans to submit the pre-trial order by Thursday,  June 25.

Related Tags

Duterte impeachment case 2026 VP Sara Duterte Senate Senate impeachment court
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