The House impeachment prosecution panel confirmed that it did not file a reply to Vice President Sara Duterte’s response to the impeachment proceedings as lawmakers move forward with preparations for the upcoming Senate trial schedule.
House Committee on Justice Chairperson and lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro explained during a press conference on Monday, June 8, that the decision was made because the defense allegedly did not directly dispute the material allegations stated in the articles of impeachment.
“So, kasalukuyan pong malapit na sa Senado ang Secretary General ng House of Representatives upang isumite ang manifestation ng 11 prosecutors na naglalaman po ng aming paliwanag, justification, why we opted not to file a reply to the answer,” Luistro said.
She added that the prosecution panel is now preparing for the submission of its pre-trial brief, which is scheduled for June 15, in line with the timeline earlier released by the Senate.
Luistro noted that the pre-trial brief will include stipulations for admissions, a list of witnesses, and marking of evidence that will be presented during the trial.
“After the submission of the pre-trial brief, then we will look forward na mag-a-appear na po ang 11 prosecutors before the impeachment court para naman po sa unang araw ng pre-trial conference, and that will be on June 18,” she said.
The House prosecution team emphasized that its preparations remain aligned with the Senate’s published schedule, despite awaiting formal notices for the proceedings.
