The pre-trial conference in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte began on Wednesday, with prosecution and defense teams appearing before the Senate as part of the preparatory proceedings ahead of the scheduled trial.

According to a report by RH Raymund Dadpaas Members of the prosecution panel arrived in full force, led by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, alongside former Sen. Leila de Lima, former Sen. Chel Diokno, and Quezon City Rep. Joel Chua, among others.

Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao was unable to attend due to a reported family bereavement.

The prosecution was also joined by private prosecutors, including Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Marforth T. Fua, Erwin Matib, James Bryan Ibrahim Alih, and Amando Ligutan.

Representing the defense team for Duterte were Atty. Michael Poa and Atty. Sheila Sison along with lawyers Carlo Narvasa, Mark C. Vinluan, Ralph B. Bodota, Roberto Batumbakal, Justin Nicol B. Gular, David Ronell M. Golla VII, Lindon Miguel L. Miguel, Karol Oroceo, Francesca Flores, and Clarlaine Radoc.

Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. said the pre-trial conference is being conducted in accordance with the impeachment calendar, as both sides begin the process of defining the scope of the trial.

During the proceedings, the prosecution and defense are expected to stipulate or agree on certain pieces of evidence to streamline the trial.

Officials said the pre-trial conference is intended to expedite the impeachment process ahead of the formal trial set to begin on July 6.