HOUSE lead prosecutor Atty. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas on Monday clarified that no documentary evidence has been excluded from the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte during the ongoing pre-trial proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.
The clarification came after questions on whether any records, documentary evidence, or witnesses presented by either side had already been removed from consideration during the pre-trial conference.
“As to striking off records, no, that is not supposed to happen during pre-trial conference,” Luistro said during a press briefing at the Senate.
She explained that the pre-trial process is not the proper stage for determining whether documentary evidence is admissible.
“By striking off, you are addressing the admissibility of the documentary exhibits, and that is not allowed,” Luistro said. “That is not a proper subject of pre-trial conference.”
According to Luistro, questions regarding the admissibility of documentary evidence will only be taken up once the impeachment trial formally begins.
Luistro likewise declined to discuss specific details regarding the evidence, witnesses, and stipulations of fact being tackled during the pre-trial conference, citing restrictions on commenting on the merits of the case.
“Please understand that we cannot dwell on the merits of this impeachment trial, and that includes the details on the stipulation of facts, the list of witnesses, and even the marking of documents,” she said.
While withholding details of the proceedings, Luistro described the atmosphere during the pre-trial conference as intense but professional, with both camps focused on advancing their respective positions.
“The atmosphere is very passionate in the sense that the prosecution is very much committed to prove its case, while the defense is likewise very much committed to prove the innocence of the respondent,” she said.
The prosecution and defense panels are currently completing the marking of documentary exhibits ahead of the issuance of a pre-trial order by the Senate impeachment court.
The impeachment trial of Duterte is scheduled to begin on July 6.
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