The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte has submitted its response to the pre-trial order issued by the Senate impeachment court, although Senate Secretary Rey Bantug assured that the filing is unlikely to delay the start of the trial on Monday, 6 July.

Bantug declined to say whether the defense’s submission would require any revisions to the pre-trial order. However, lawyer Michael Poa, a member of Duterte’s legal team, confirmed to the DAILY TRIBUNE that the defense does not oppose the scheduled start of the trial.

“I don’t see anything [that would cause a delay in the trial] in the comment they filed. Upon initial review, there are no impediments to the commencement of our trial on Monday,” Bantug, who serves as clerk of court, said in Filipino during a radio interview.

The defense submitted its comment on Thursday, the deadline set by the Senate impeachment court.

House prosecutors opted not to file a comment to avoid delays and ensure the proceedings begin as scheduled.

Duterte was directed to personally appear before the impeachment court on Monday, although she may also be represented by her legal counsel, pursuant to the court’s notice.

Poa earlier said the Vice President would attend the proceedings only “if necessary.”

Since trial dates are scheduled only three times a week, the proceedings could last seven to eight months.

However, Senate President Win Gatchalian said the timeline could be shortened if the prosecution decides to waive some of the impeachment articles, as it had earlier indicated.

The prosecution team has hinted at dropping certain articles if it believes there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction on other charges.

The House of Representatives transmitted four articles of impeachment against Duterte, accusing her of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and grave threats.

Duterte is the first high-ranking official to face impeachment twice. The first impeachment complaint, filed in February last year, was later struck down by the Supreme Court on technical grounds before the Senate could proceed with a full trial.

The Vice President needs at least nine votes from senator-judges to secure an acquittal. Conversely, a conviction requires at least 16 votes, which could result in her removal from office and permanent disqualification from holding public office, potentially affecting her reported plans to seek the presidency in 2028.

The first day of the impeachment trial will focus on administrative matters, including the introduction of the prosecution and defense panels and the delivery of opening statements.

The presentation and cross-examination of witnesses will follow in subsequent hearings.

Gatchalian also said he has not received any indication that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa will attend the proceedings, noting his political alliance with Duterte.

However, he stressed that the Senate would respect legal processes and suggested he would comply with any lawful order concerning Dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

Meanwhile, around 6,000 police personnel have been deployed in and around the Senate complex to maintain peace and order amid the possibility of demonstrations by supporters of the Vice President.