MANILA, July 29 -- The impeachment court will retain a prosecution-first format, allowing House of Representatives prosecutors to complete their evidence on all remaining articles against Vice President Sara Duterte before the defense begins presenting its case.

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero announced the ruling Wednesday after the prosecution and defense failed to agree on a proposal to hear evidence from both sides separately for each article of impeachment.

"Therefore, we shall proceed as originally ruled by the chair," Escudero said.

Under the procedure, prosecutors will first present their evidence-in-chief for all articles they do not withdraw. The defense will then present its evidence on the articles pursued by the prosecu...