The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte has filed its pre-trial brief before the Senate, marking another procedural step in the ongoing impeachment process.

Lawyer Michael Poa confirmed in a statement that the respondent’s pre-trial brief was personally submitted at around 5:50 p.m. on June 15.

“The Defense Team confirms that it personally filed the respondent's Pre-Trial Brief at around 5:50 pm today,” Poa said.

He added that the defense would refrain from disclosing details about the document, citing respect for the proceedings and compliance with Rule XVIII of the Senate Rules on Impeachment.

“We will refrain from discussing the substance of the filing at this time, out of respect for the ongoing proceedings and in accordance with Rule XVIII of the Senate Rules on Impeachment,” he said.

The filing of the pre-trial brief is part of the preparatory phase of impeachment proceedings, during which both parties outline their positions, proposed stipulations of fact, and key issues for resolution to help streamline the trial.

No further information was provided regarding the contents of the brief or the defense team’s legal strategy.

The Senate has convened as an impeachment court on May 18 with the trial set to formally begin on July 6.