MANILA — The pre-trial conference in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte is nearing its conclusion as the marking of documentary evidence is expected to be completed on Thursday evening, Senate Secretary and Impeachment Court Clerk Renato Bantug Jr. said.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Bantug expressed optimism that both the prosecution and defense panels would finish identifying and marking all documentary exhibits within the day.

“It looks like we’ll be able to complete the marking tonight. We’re very, very hopeful and optimistic that we’ll be able to complete the marking of all documentary evidence. Per agreement, both parties will be working on the exhibits until 7 pm. At this point, I am confident that we will be able to finish,” said Bantug.

He said work on the pre-trial order would begin once the evidence-marking process is completed.

However, Bantug said it was still too early to determine when the pre-trial order would be issued since the drafting process has yet to start.

He added that court personnel would work to complete the document at the soonest possible time, even if it requires work over the weekend.

The pre-trial conference opened on June 18 and has centered on the identification of documentary evidence, as well as efforts by both parties to define and streamline the issues that will be tackled during the trial.