Metro Manila, Philippines – The pre-trial conference for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte ended on Thursday, June 25, leaving the crucial box of her tax records sealed and unmarked as evidence. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug, who sits as clerk of court, announced the termination of the five-day pre-trial proceedings, which began on June 18. The pre-trial conference is the stage where the prosecution and the defense mark evidence, submit a list of witnesses and stipulation of facts, and discuss trial dates and the order of presentation of evidence. “Ever since our objective is to finish expeditiously. And that is why we would like to express our thanks to the impeachment court because the goal was achieved,” said lead prosecutor and Batangas 2nd district Rep. Jinky Luistro, noting that the prosecution considers the pre-trial a success. The prosecution and the defense spent longer time to mark evidence related…