Prosecutors Stage Mock Impeachment Trial for Sara Duterte – House SecGen

The prosecution team has begun rehearsing for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed on Wednesday.

“I was informed yesterday that they [the prosecutors] have already conducted a mock trial,” Velasco stated.

He explained that legal experts often hold practice trials before official proceedings to familiarize themselves with the flow of deliberations and the presentation of testimonies.

Duterte is set to face trial in the Senate over allegations of violating the Constitution, betraying public trust, engaging in graft and corruption, and committing other serious offenses.

For her to be convicted and barred from holding public office—including the presidency, which she has openly expressed interest in running for—at least 16 out of the 24 senators must vote in favor of her conviction.

According to Velasco, the prosecution team has assigned two or three prosecutors to handle each of the seven articles of impeachment filed against Duterte.

Additionally, private prosecutors will assist in the case. “We may also involve former congressmen or ex-senators who are lawyers themselves. Their experience will be valuable,” Velasco added.

He emphasized the need for experienced trial attorneys and skilled researchers to strengthen the prosecution’s case.

Meanwhile, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. revealed that two private lawyers have been aiding senators in preparing for the trial.

“We currently have two legal experts helping us review the Rules of Court, especially the latest updates on trial procedures,” Bantug said.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez also expressed confidence in the readiness of the prosecution team.

“The House prosecutors have reported to me that they are fully prepared to present their case as soon as the Impeachment Court is convened,” Romualdez stated in a press release.

The impeachment trial could begin on July 30, according to a tentative schedule proposed by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. Under this timeline, House prosecutors may formally present the articles of impeachment before the Senate when Congress resumes on June 2.

“On June 2, according to the senators’ proposed plan—although it is not yet final—they will approve the new impeachment rules in plenary,” Velasco explained.

He noted that there might be additional amendments to the impeachment rules that need approval before the trial begins.

“Once these rules are passed, the senator-judges will take their oaths,” he added.

Velasco also conducted an inspection of the Senate premises where the prosecution team will be stationed.

“We will continue to coordinate with the Senate to ensure that the impeachment trial is fair, transparent, and credible,” Romualdez affirmed.

However, Duterte and her legal team have filed petitions before the Supreme Court challenging the impeachment process, arguing that it was rushed without proper oversight.

“There was no thorough deliberation or discussion,” lawyer and petitioner Israelito Torreon said in February.

“The Vice President was not even given a chance to respond to the allegations. Due process was completely disregarded,” he claimed.

Among the accusations against Duterte is an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The claim stems from a controversial broadcast where Duterte reportedly expressed frustration with the administration, suggesting that she had told someone to kill Marcos if she were assassinated first.

Additionally, allegations regarding Duterte’s office’s use of confidential funds were included in the impeachment charges. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the accusations are politically motivated attempts to discredit her.

Source: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/19/prosecutors-hold-sara-duterte-mock-impeachment-trial-house-secgen-1111