The House prosecution panel has proposed the use of both Filipino and English during witness examinations in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the move would make the trial more understandable and accessible to the public.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, June 24, House prosecution team member and ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima said the prosecution requested an agreement allowing lawyers and witnesses to use either or both languages during direct, cross, and redirect examinations.
“Humihingi kami ng agreement na kung pwede during the trial stage, during the presentation of witnesses, direct examination, cross-examination, or redirect examination ay gumamit ng either or both Filipino and English languages,” De Lima said.
She explained that because the impeachment trial is a public proceeding, the use of Filipino would help ordinary citizens better understand the discussions and testimonies presented before the court.
“It’s a very public proceeding, it’s a public trial, and therefore mas maganda kung mas marami ang nakakaintindi. So it would help kung from time to time ay gumagamit ng Filipino language na mas simple at mas maintindihan ng mga nanonood at nakikinig,” she added.
De Lima also disclosed that the prosecution is seeking approval for both public and private prosecutors to participate in examining and presenting witnesses. Under the proposal, a witness may be handled jointly by one public prosecutor and one private prosecutor, particularly in cases involving broad or complex issues.
“Humihingi po yung prosecution din na yung tungkol sa participation of both public and private prosecutors pagdating sa pag-examine at pag-present ng mga witnesses,” De Lima said.
She noted that some testimonies may cover extensive matters that would benefit from being divided between prosecutors with different areas of focus. However, she clarified that a witness may still be presented by only a public prosecutor or only a private prosecutor when appropriate.
The proposals form part of the prosecution panel’s efforts to ensure an efficient, transparent, and comprehensible presentation of evidence during the impeachment trial.
