House prosecutors file brief with at least 25 witnesses in VP ouster case

CONGRESSMEN-PROSECUTORS on Monday filed a pre-trial brief in the impeachment case against Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio, detailing documentary evidence and at least 25 witnesses.

The brief includes proposed stipulations of fact that could narrow issues during trial, lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville R. Luistro told a news briefing.

“If they admit our offer for stipulation, it means it need not be proved,” she said. “But if they deny our offer for stipulation, then it means it has to be proven during the presentation of evidence.”

House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy V. Garafil filed the pre-trial brief before the Senate impeachment court at 5:20 p.m., her office said in a statement.

A copy of the filing was not immediately made available to media.

The identities of some witnesses and documentary evidence might not be disclosed at the pre-trial stage for security reasons,  Ms. Luistro said.

“It is more than 25. The number of witnesses is not only 25, it’s not only 30, it’s even more,” she said.

Prosecutors are preparing to present extensive documentary records, particularly on allegations tied to confidential funds and unexplained wealth.

The lawmaker said some articles of impeachment involve voluminous exhibits that would be marked during the pre-trial process.

“There are many… because you know there are two articles that really have voluminous exhibits. These include the allegations on unexplained wealth,” she said in mixed English and Filipino.

The House prosecution panel is composed of 11 congressmen and supported by 10 private prosecutors. Members are set to attend the pre-trial conference on June 18 before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court.

Ms. Luistro said prosecutors would likely raise procedural matters at the conference, including whether to adopt an “open rule” in questioning witnesses and whether to allow the use of Filipino where feasible.

“This is because we understand this is a constitutional process, this is not purely legal, what is at stake is the interest of the Filipino people,” she said.

Under a restrictive rule, cross-examination and recross-examination are limited to matters raised during direct examination and prior questioning.

The pre-trial conference will be closed to media, though Ms. Luistro said all agreements reached by both parties would be disclosed in open proceedings.

“Whatever stipulations proposed by the prosecution that were admitted by the defense, we will manifest that during the pre-trial,” she said. “The same is true with respect to the defense.”

She said both sides would present their witness lists and identify documents to be marked as evidence, which will be formally manifested before the impeachment court.

“And all the documents marked or to be marked will be manifested as well not only by the prosecution, but also by the defense,” she added.

The Senate impeachment court is expected to issue a pre-trial order after reviewing submissions and agreements from the conference. The order will define the scope of evidence, witnesses and procedures for the trial proper.

Ms. Luistro said prosecutors aim to make the proceedings accessible to the public and urged both mainstream and online platforms to ensure accurate reporting of developments in the case.

She also proposed measures to broaden public access, including translation of proceedings into various Philippine languages so more citizens could follow the trial.

“After all, this is a constitutional process,” she said. “We want the entire nation to walk with us as we start, continue and conclude the impeachment trial.”

The impeachment trial is set to begin on July 6. — P.J. Bacon