Sara Duterte impeachment trial to pause starting Oct. 14 – court

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial will be put on hold starting Wednesday, Oct. 14, to give the prosecution time to file its formal offer of evidence, Senate Impeachment Clerk of Court Atty. Renato Bantug said on Monday.

In a text message to the Inquirer, Bantug confirmed the suspension.

“No trial [on Wednesday],” he wrote.

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On Monday, the prosecution’s last witness for impeachment Article II, which concerns Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth, was excused.

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Presiding officer Francis Escudero then announced receipt of a manifestation from the prosecution seeking to dispense with tackling the last article, which concerns Duterte’s alleged bribery of Department of Education officials.

READ: Gatchalian: Defense to start presentation on Nov. 9

“There will indeed be a pause in the trial to allow the prosecution to file its formal offer of evidence, the respondent to file a comment within X number of days from receipt, and the [impeachment court/presiding officer] to rule on the offer,” Bantug explained.

According to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, the defense will begin presenting its exhibits on Nov. 9. /mcm