MANILA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Senate impeachment court began the pre-trial conference for the case of Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday.
The pre-trial conference serves as the initial procedural stage of the impeachment process, before formal hearings begin in July.
It allows both the prosecution and defense to discuss trial procedures, stipulations of fact, documentary evidence, witness lists, and other matters intended to streamline the proceedings.
The Philippine Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 18 to try the case against Sara.
Under the Philippine Constitution, the Senate has the sole authority to try and decide on impeachment. If more than two-thirds of senators vote in favor of impeachment, Sara will be convicted, removed from office, and barred from holding public office for life. ■
