Senate impeachment court denies Luistro’s bid to arraign Duterte

Presecution Team Lead Counsel Representative Gerville Luistro–INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The first clash between the prosecution and the defense panels in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte ended in a win for the defense, as the Senate impeachment court denied the prosecution’s motion to read the charges and hold an arraignment of Duterte.

During the first day of trial on Monday, lead public prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro moved that Duterte be arraigned under the Senate rules on impeachment, including Rule No. 7, which allows arraignment when a respondent fails to appear or submit an answer.

“Your Honor, before I proceed, the prosecution respectfully moves for the reading of the four Articles of Impeachment, and the entry of the corresponding answer or plea for each Article of Impeachment, Your Honor,” Luistro said.

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