The House prosecution panel plans to ask the impeachment court to allow the use of both Filipino and English during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said the proposal is among several procedural recommendations being discussed ahead of the trial scheduled to begin on July 6.
“We are discussing about the adoption of Filipino language and English language to be the official languages to be used during the impeachment trial,” Luistro told reporters on Tuesday.
She said the move aims to make the proceedings more understandable to a wider audience, noting that court proceedings are typically conducted in English.
The prosecution panel is also considering proposing a rule requiring both the prosecution and defense to disclose their witnesses at least three days before they are presented before the impeachment court.
“We are still discussing, we’re still considering about the possible adoption of the rule on disclosure of witnesses, at least three days before their presentation,” Luistro said.
According to Luistro, advance disclosure would give both parties sufficient time to prepare for cross-examination and review the testimonies expected to be presented during the trial.
The prosecution is likewise discussing the possible participation of both public and private prosecutors in examining witnesses.
“We are also discussing on the possible participation of public and private prosecutors in the presentation of a witness. That means that the public and the private prosecutors will participate in the presentation and conclusion of the testimony of one witness,” she said.
The House prosecution panel is expected to formally present its proposed rules and manifestations to the impeachment court before the start of trial proceedings.
Vice President Duterte is facing impeachment charges that include allegations of graft and corruption, unexplained wealth, bribery and grave threats.
