House prosecutors, Duterte defense lawyers face off in day two of pre-trial conference

[0:00] Let's get an update now on day two of the pre-trial conference of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte from her correspondent Vivian Guglia. She joins us now. Viv, over to you. [0:09] Hi, Karina. The pre-trial conference on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case has resumed today for the marking of evidence on the remaining two articles of impeachment alleging confidential fund disused and unexplained wealth. [0:24] Last June 18th, the marking of evidence for the articles on alleged bribery and grave threats were completed. [0:30] The prosecution panel, led by House Impeachment Prosecutor Jerva Luisro, and the defense panel, led by Attorney Sheila Sison, were again present in today's pre-trial conference. [0:42] The Senate Impeachment Court's Clerk of Court, Attorney Renato Bantug Jr., says they target to complete the marking of evidence and the pre-trial conference today. [0:51] Bantug clarified that questions on the admissibility of evidence will be determined during the trial proper and not at the stage of pre-trial. [1:05] After other parties are barred from presenting surprise witnesses and documents, Bantug said they have the right to make reservations to witnesses not yet available during pre-trial, [1:15] and they will have to inform the parties of calling such witnesses at least three days before their scheduled appearance. [1:22] On claims that the House lead prosecutor was, quote, eaten alive by the defense lead counsel during the June 18 pre-trial conference, Bantug said that is not true. [1:34] He added there were some discussions, but nothing out of the ordinary. [1:39] Luisro, for her part, tagged the claims as, quote, fake news, adding that she will not allow it to happen. [1:44] The House prosecution, meantime, introduced Attorney Benjamin Delosa Jr. as its legal spokesperson. [1:51] Luisro and Delosa will, Luisro said Delosa will eventually enter his appearance as one of the private prosecutors. [1:58] Delosa said the prosecution requested for 62 trial dates, while the defense requested for 30 trial dates, [2:05] and it will be the decision of the Impeachment Court how many trial dates will be given to each party. [2:11] Camina, back to you. [2:12] Thanks a lot. Vivian Gouda there joining us on the line. [2:15] In other news, the lead prosecutor in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte slamming as fake news reports, [2:22] claiming the defense team dominated last week's start of the pre-trial conference. [2:27] Batangas representative, Jervil Luisro, says the prosecution panel even blocked attempts to delay the impeachment trial. [2:34] The two sides are facing off again today for the continuation of the closed-door proceedings where Duterte's alleged unexplained wealth and the use of confidential funds are expected to take center stage. [2:46] We cannot say even that there was domination by the defense over the prosecution, [2:56] because what happened really is a mere exchange of argument, mere exchange of manifestation, [3:04] which ended to an agreement to submit instead all the issues, all the admissions and denials, including the list of witnesses, list of exhibits. [3:16] Lahat ng nag-circulate sa social media about dominating the prosecution, we do not agree to that. [3:25] As a matter of fact, I charged it to fake news, which we have anticipated ever since this impeachment process is started, [3:34] kahit noong nasa house ba, no? [3:37] And that is why I wish to remind the Filipino people, let us be cautious in reading from social media. [3:45] Prosecutors are representing the Filipino people. [3:49] No way na papayag tayong madumina ang laban ng sambayan ng Pilipino. [3:59] Meanwhile, Luisro once again insisting the threshold for convicting Duterte should be lowered, [4:04] as Senator Jinggoy Estrada remains detained, while Senator Ronald De La Rosa continues to evade arrest. [4:10] I see the logic behind, because we understand that the reason why we have senators is to represent the interests of the Filipino people. [4:23] And if we will assume the situation where our senator is detained, our senator is in hiding, [4:30] the question is, can we honestly say that they are representing the interests of the Filipino people? [4:36] Of course, the answer to that is no. [4:38] If they cannot discharge or fulfill their constitutional duty because they are detained or in hiding, [4:45] then it follows that the numbers should be reduced for the purpose of determining the quorum [4:50] and for the purpose of determining the threshold. [4:55] Continued progress for peace in the Middle East. [4:58] The United States and Iran agreeing on a roadmap to settle the war within 60 days. [5:04] High-ranking officials from both sides reached that understanding at the close of their first round of talks in Switzerland Monday. [5:12] Mediators Pakistan and Qatar said this allows the start of further technical talks later this week. [5:19] Washington and Tehran also agreeing to a mechanism to halt fighting in Lebanon [5:24] and to ensuring safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. [5:28] The 60-day period is crucial in helping settle broader issues in U.S.-Iran relations, such as Tehran's nuclear program. [5:37] Today's outcome, pushing world oil prices down after previously climbing as shipping through Hormuz slowed, [5:43] following a bumpy start to the negotiations. [5:47] And what we're trying to accomplish here is something very simple. [5:50] Through diplomacy, through working together to transform the Middle East, [5:56] where Iran and the Gulf have been at war with each other, or at least have had very unfriendly relations, [6:03] where Iran has been a driver of regional instability, [6:07] now we see a future where everybody can work together to promote peace and prosperity for everyone. [6:17] Back here at home, fuel firms implementing a huge rollback tomorrow, Tuesday. [6:22] Oil companies announced a nine-peso cut per liter for diesel. [6:26] That's nearly four pesos for gasoline and 11 pesos for kerosene. [6:31] The Energy Department said the rollback is happening, [6:34] despite Iran once more shutting the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, [6:38] citing Israeli and U.S. violations of their interim peace deal. [6:42] Energy Secretary Sharon Gurin says with uncertainty still lingering over the Middle East situation, [6:48] she's not backing proposals to lift the state of energy emergency in the country just yet. [6:54] This week nga, magmamaraton meetings pa ako sa mga embassies, [7:01] para still to make sure na may access tayo just in case, [7:05] just in case may mangyari pa ulit, para may access tayo sa mga oil nila. [7:08] So we still have to make sure na huwag muna tayong magkampante.