House prosecutors handling the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte said they will continue their work despite mounting pressure, misinformation, and personal sacrifices as they prepare for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial.
In a press briefing, lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro, House impeachment spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, and prosecutor Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora described the growing demands of trial preparation, saying the process has required full-time focus, extensive legal work, and reduced time for their families and constituencies.
She said one of her main challenges has been stepping back from regular activities in her Batangas 2nd District to prioritize trial preparation, noting that she has informed her constituents of her limited availability during the impeachment process.
She said residents have shown understanding, recognizing the constitutional nature of the proceedings and the accountability role of the House prosecution panel.
Adiong, meanwhile, said the biggest strain on the team has been the volume of misinformation and attacks directed at prosecutors, which he said are intended to undermine their work and discourage accountability efforts.
He said, however, that instead of weakening the panel, the criticism has strengthened their resolve to carry out their constitutional mandate.
“But sa amin, mas tumatatag ang loob namin,” he affirmed, adding that the team remains committed to pursuing the case despite online and public pressure.
Zamora said the impeachment work has been physically and mentally demanding, noting long hours of preparation, constant study, and reduced time for both public duties and family life.
She said prosecutors have been working continuously since the complaints were filed, including weekends spent reviewing materials and preparing legal arguments for trial.
Despite the challenges, Zamora said the prosecution team remains focused on its duty to present its case before the Senate impeachment court, including pre-trial preparations, witness work, and evidence organization.
She emphasized that while the workload is heavy, the objective remains clear: accountability and public service.
“But we always say that we’re doing this for accountability for the country,” the solon from San Juan said.
The House prosecution panel is expected to formally present its case during the Senate impeachment proceedings in the coming weeks.