First day of VP Duterte impeachment trial to focus on rules, procedures

Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers —FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The first day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial will be devoted to procedural matters, with no witnesses scheduled to take the stand, former Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, impeachment prosecution panel adviser, said on Sunday.

According to a statement he released, the Senate impeachment court will deliberate on rules and procedures, including the entry of appearance of lawyers, how Duterte will plead, and the resolution of preliminary legal issues before evidence is presented.

“There will be no witnesses tomorrow, no presentation of evidence,” he said in Filipino. “The first day is meant to ensure that the rules are clear and that the trial proceeds in an orderly manner.”

Article continues after this advertisement