The Philippine House of Representatives Chief Prosecutor, Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro, stated that during the pre-trial proceedings of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, there has been no occurrence of any records or written evidence being excluded.
She pointed out that concerns about 'evidence being removed' are unfounded, as the admissibility of evidence is not addressed during the pre-trial stage.
'Regarding the issue of excluding records, that did not occur. This should not happen at the pre-trial stage,' she said at a Senate press briefing on Monday.
She further explained that 'excluding evidence' involves a legal determination on the admissibility of evidence, and such matters should be addressed during the formal hearing stage, not as part of the pre-trial meeting.
Luistro emphasized that at present, all parties are only organizing and labeling evidence documents and witness lists, and related disputes will be gradually reviewed after the formal trial begins.
However, she refused to disclose case details, including evidence content, witness arrangements, and stipulations of facts, stressing that procedural restrictions must be observed and commenting on the substance of the case is not permitted.
'Please understand that we cannot discuss the substantive content of the impeachment case, including stipulations of facts, the list of witnesses, or the details of document labeling,' she said.
She described the pre-trial meeting atmosphere as tense yet professional, with both the prosecution and defense actively preparing to advance their respective positions.
'The prosecution is committed to proving the case, while the defense is dedicated to establishing the defendant's innocence,' she said.
Currently, both sides are completing the evidence labeling work in coordination with the imminent pre-trial order to be issued by the Senate Impeachment Court.
The impeachment trial is scheduled to officially commence on July 6.
'Regarding the issue of excluding records, that did not occur. This should not happen at the pre-trial stage,' she said at a Senate press briefing on Monday.
She further explained that 'excluding evidence' involves a legal determination on the admissibility of evidence, and such matters should be addressed during the formal hearing stage, not as part of the pre-trial meeting.
Luistro emphasized that at present, all parties are only organizing and labeling evidence documents and witness lists, and related disputes will be gradually reviewed after the formal trial begins.
However, she refused to disclose case details, including evidence content, witness arrangements, and stipulations of facts, stressing that procedural restrictions must be observed and commenting on the substance of the case is not permitted.
'Please understand that we cannot discuss the substantive content of the impeachment case, including stipulations of facts, the list of witnesses, or the details of document labeling,' she said.
She described the pre-trial meeting atmosphere as tense yet professional, with both the prosecution and defense actively preparing to advance their respective positions.
'The prosecution is committed to proving the case, while the defense is dedicated to establishing the defendant's innocence,' she said.
Currently, both sides are completing the evidence labeling work in coordination with the imminent pre-trial order to be issued by the Senate Impeachment Court.
The impeachment trial is scheduled to officially commence on July 6.