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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pre-trial conference for VP Sara's impeachment case ends

Pre-trial conference for VP Sara's impeachment case ends

Published Jun 25, 2026 06:50 pm

At A Glance

  • After five sessions, the pre-trial conference for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte concludes Thursday afternoon, June 25.
After five sessions, the pre-trial conference for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte concludes Thursday afternoon, June 25.
Day 5 of the Pre-Trial Conference on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. (Senate PRIB photo)
Day 5 of the Pre-Trial Conference on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. (Senate PRIB photo)
Marking of evidence for Articles I and II was finished shortly after 5 p.m.
According to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., who also serves as clerk of the Senate impeachment court, with the conclusion of the evidence-marking process would formally end the pre-trial conference and pave the way for the preparation of the pre-trial order.
“Formally, the pre-trial conference will be concluded and then the staff work will begin on the drafting and finalization of the pre-trial order,” Bantug told reporters.
He said it remains unclear when the pre-trial order will be released, noting that court personnel have yet to begin drafting the document.
“I don't know yet. Until we start drafting it, I cannot estimate yet the time that it will take us to complete the draft of the pre-trial order. But we will finish it as soon, as fast as humanly possible,” Bantug said.
He added that staff members may work through the weekend if necessary to complete the document.
Bantug described the pre-trial order as a roadmap that will guide the conduct of the impeachment trial, taking into account the positions of both parties.
“Essentially, a pre-trial order is the roadmap on how the trial can best be conducted, taking into consideration the respective positions of the parties,” he said.
The order will also contain any stipulations and agreements reached by the prosecution and defense during the pre-trial conference.
The prosecution and defense have already completed the pre-marking of evidence for Articles III and IV of the impeachment complaint.
Bantug said the parties have also indicated the amount of time they expect to need for the presentation of their cases once the trial begins.
Based on commitments made during the pre-trial proceedings, the prosecution estimates it will require around 62 trial dates to present its evidence, while the defense expects to need 35 trial dates.
Before the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA), the trial schedule will be Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m. onwards.

Related Tags

Senate Impeachment Court VP Sara Duterte Duterte impeachment case 2026 impeachment trial
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