The House prosecution panel agreed to a reciprocal three-day disclosure rule requiring both parties in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte to notify each other at least three days before presenting witnesses.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, June 24, House prosecution team member and ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima clarified that the proposal did not originate from the prosecution but was instead requested by the defense panel.
“Itong requirement na ito, itong proposal na ito, ay actually hiling po yan ng defense. Hindi po yan hiling ng prosecution,” De Lima said.
According to De Lima, the prosecution already disclosed its witnesses and documentary evidence through its pre-trial brief, making further notice unnecessary from their standpoint.
“Sa tingin po namin, alam na nila kung sino yung mga witnesses namin, alam na nila kung ano yung mga ebidensya, nandyan yan sa pre-trial brief,” she explained.
Despite this, the prosecution agreed to the arrangement to avoid procedural disputes and possible delays in the proceedings. Under the proposed rule, both sides must provide notice at least three days before the presentation of any witness.
“Para wala nang mga usapan that could further delay the proceedings, pumapayag po kami na ganoon na nga. At least three days before the presentation of a witness or witnesses, ay kailangan ay ma-notify yung other party,” De Lima said.
She emphasized that the defense cannot claim surprise or ambush witnesses since the prosecution’s evidence and witness list have already been disclosed during pre-trial preparations.
“There can be no questions about, ‘It’s a surprise witness, we’re being ambushed here by a surprise witness,’” De Lima added.
The agreement is expected to streamline the impeachment proceedings by minimizing technical objections and ensuring both parties are adequately informed ahead of witness presentations.
