Sara Duterte Trial Day 39: Court to finalize admin matters before break

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate impeachment court will tackle administrative matters on Tuesday, the 39th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial, particularly the handling of confidential documents in the prosecution’s formal offer of evidence.

Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Monday that the court was still finalizing the order covering the confidential documents.

“We are finalizing some administrative matters that we are not yet sure about regarding the order the court will issue, especially with respect to confidential documents that will be made part of the formal offer that we will require the panel of prosecutors to submit,” Escudero said Monday evening.

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

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This comes after the House prosecution panel presented the financial records of Duterte and her spouse, lawyer Manases Carpio, as well as their business interests, which require safeguards when made public.

Escudero noted that the court must meet a balance between the confidentiality of the documents as well as transparency in the court’s proceedings. 

The House prosecution panel is also expected to manifest on the floor its decision to drop Article III of the impeachment case or Duterte’s alleged bribery of Department of Education officials.

The trial will then be go for a break until November 9 to allow the prosecution to file their formal offer, which will be responded to by the defense team. 

Meanwhile, the Senate will continue its legislative work, including hearing the proposed 2027 national budget. /dp