MANILA — The Senate impeachment court has formally scheduled the pre-trial conference in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, marking a key procedural step ahead of the presentation of evidence and witnesses, House prosecutor Terry Ridon said Tuesday.

In a news release, Ridon said the Notice of Pre-Trial Conference issued on June 9 and signed by acting Senate President and presiding officer Sherwin Gatchalian set the proceedings on June 18 at 9 a.m. at the Senator C.M. Recto Room in the Senate.

He said the notice allows both parties to appear personally or through counsel and requires them to address pre-trial matters such as stipulation of facts, simplification of issues, marking of evidence, identification of witnesses, scheduling of trial dates, and the order of presentation of evidence.

Ridon also said the impeachment court directed both sides to submit their pre-trial briefs no later than June 15.

According to the notice, the brief must include “a summary of admitted facts, proposed stipulations, and issues for resolution,” along with lists of documents, exhibits, and witnesses that are known and available to each party.

It also requires parties reserving evidence or witnesses to disclose their identities and describe the purpose of their testimony or presentation at least three days before they are presented before the impeachment court.

For security reasons, the court said certain witness identities and details may be withheld until actual presentation, provided these are included in the total number of witnesses and scheduled trial dates.

The impeachment court further said the pre-trial proceedings will not be open to the media or the public in order to encourage candid discussions and facilitate the process.

“The Pre-Trial Conference proceedings shall not be open to the media or public,” the notice stated.

It also warned that failure to submit pre-trial briefs or to appear without a valid reason may result in the waiver of the right to present evidence or witnesses.

The court may proceed to issue a pre-trial order based on available records if a party fails to comply.

Ridon said the June 18 conference is expected to define the framework of the trial, including identifying agreed and disputed matters, organizing evidence, and setting the timeline for the proceedings.