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House prosecution seeks court guidance on evidence filing in Duterte impeachment trial

The House prosecution panel will request direction from the Senate impeachment court before formally submitting its evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte. The move comes as the court weighs whether to call additional witnesses in the high-profile case.

LSN Philippines · 12 October 2026

MANILA — The House prosecution team handling Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial will petition the Senate impeachment court for guidance on procedural matters related to filing its formal evidence, according to lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro. The request reflects ongoing deliberations within the court regarding witness testimony and the presentation of the prosecution's case. Luistro disclosed the strategy during a Monday briefing, indicating that prosecutors want to ensure compliance with court protocols before submitting their documentary evidence and witness lists. The impeachment court is currently evaluating whether to summon additional witnesses beyond those already identified by either side. The procedural step underscores the complex nature of the impeachment proceedings, which have drawn intense public attention given Duterte's position as the nation's second-highest elected official. No timeline has been announced for when the court will rule on the prosecution's guidance request or when formal evidence presentation will commence.