Enrile nixes proposed change in rules of procedure at corona impeach trial

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said on Tuesday that they could not change the rules of procedure to allow the defense to present their evidence in each article after the prosecution’s presentation, as suggested by Senator Ralph Recto during the proceedings.

“We will have to change the rules of procedure and that will take a long time,” Enrile said during an ambush interview after Tuesday’s Impeachment proceedings. “It will need to be published [which] will take a long time. It could take a year,” he said.

During the trial, Recto sought clarifications as to when the defense would present evidence.

Enrile said that it was only after the prosecution has presented their evidence in all the articles of impeachment that the defense may present their evidence.

Recto suggested that the defense be allowed to present their evidence in each article after the prosecution’s presentation.

Enrile said in the interview that “the prosecution will finish the presentation of evidence in all articles of impeachment before the defense can present their evidence.”

Once both have presented their evidence “there will be an offer of evidence on both sides,” Enrile said.

“At that point the matter is submitted for decision, which is when [the senator-judges] will vote,” Enrile said.