Abbey M.

House Lead Prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro has asked the public to pray for the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte.

This comes just days before the scheduled trial of the Vice President on July 6, 2026.

The House Prosecution Team is fully prepared for the July 6 impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Four days before the trial, several public and private prosecutors attended an event led by House Lead Prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro.

At the event, she made an appeal to the public.

"Ang sabi po ng nanay ko, pag nagdadasal, dapat nililiwanag. Pag nagdadasal, dapat specific. Pag nagdadasal dapat nilalakasan. Join us as we pray for the conviction of the respondent in this impeachment trial."

(My mother used to say, when you pray, it should be made clear. When you pray, it should be specific. When you pray, it should be said with strength. Join us as we pray for the conviction of the respondent in this impeachment trial.)

Aside from this, she also requested that the Senator Judges, the defense team, and the entire nation be included in prayers.

Meanwhile, among the things Rep. Luistro expects to happen on Monday, July 6, are the opening statements of the Presiding Officer of the Senate Impeachment Court, as well as those of the lead prosecutor and lead defense counsel.

Also expected is the resolution of pending motions from both camps.

Private Prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan confirmed that they have already submitted the list of witnesses they will present for July 6.

The first article of impeachment to be heard will be grave threats and inciting to sedition.

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The World Bank has confirmed the status of the Philippines as an upper-middle-income country.

Based on the World Bank's latest income assessment this July, the Philippines' gross national income per capita has reached 4,850 US dollars, surpassing the 4,636 US dollar threshold for upper-middle-income countries.

According to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, or DepDev, this improvement is driven by the continued growth of the Philippine economy, macroeconomic management, and long-term structural reforms.

DepDev added that this development only shows the resilience of the Philippine economy.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed hope for a more solid relationship with the United States after welcoming the new US Ambassador-designate, Lee Lipton, at Malacañang yesterday.

Ambassador Lipton presented his credentials to President Marcos as the new US envoy to the Philippines.

According to the new US ambassador, he will work hard to further deepen the partnership between America and the Philippines, particularly when it comes to security, economic, and commercial ties.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will proceed with his trip to Canada today for a four-day official visit.

The President is set to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney to discuss various areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Also part of the discussion will be the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship, with Canada serving as a dialogue partner of the regional bloc since 1977.

President Marcos will also push the country's interests as he meets with Canadian businessmen and investors.

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The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to begin on Monday, July 6, with the Senate affirming its readiness for the proceedings.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expressed confidence that the Senate is fully prepared for the impeachment trial set for Monday. However, this comes amid the unresolved issue surrounding a sealed and unmarked box from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) containing the vice president's tax records.

According to Senator Gatchalian, the decision on what to do with the box now rests with the impeachment court.

"Ano mangyayari sa BIR box? Yung BIR box will be left to the impeachment court to decide."

(What will happen to the BIR box? The BIR box will be left to the impeachment court to decide.)

"So not necessarily first order of business on Monday? Not necessarily." SP Sherwin Gatchalian added.

The House prosecution panel had earlier submitted a manifestation during the pre-trial conference requesting that the BIR box be opened so that the documents inside could be marked. When the impeachment court did not act on this request, the prosecution again asked that the box at least be marked as evidence.

However, by the conclusion of the pre-trial conference, the box remained sealed and unmarked.

On this matter, the Senate leader said they will wait for the historic trial against the vice president to begin before the impeachment court makes a decision.

"Sir, sa Monday yun pagdidesisyon? When the time comes. I'm sure yung prosecution, pag i-reraise, then we will decide on that matter."

(Sir, will the decision be made on Monday? When the time comes. I'm sure if the prosecution raises it, then we will decide on that matter.)

The trial proper is expected to begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6.

According to the prosecution panel, they will first present evidence related to the alleged threats made by Vice President Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

This will be followed by the alleged misuse of confidential funds, then the alleged bribery and corruption within the Department of Education.

Lastly, the prosecution will take up the vice president's alleged unexplained wealth.

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