The House prosecution panel is considering a reshuffle of its lineup, including having some public prosecutors step down to serve strictly as spokespersons, following the Senate impeachment court’s strict enforcement of the sub judice rule in the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Prosecution spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong confirmed that internal discussions are underway to adjust the panel’s structure so it can maintain public communications without violating court rules.
“Pinag-uusapan po ‘yan. Kung kinakailangan pong magbitiw ang public prosecutor ng kanyang trabaho bilang prosecutor para maging spokesperson, isa ‘yan sa mga pinag-uusapan,” Adiong said.
The prosecution team currently comprises 11 House members acting as public prosecutors, supported by over 20 private lawyers who operate under the direction and supervision of the House panel. Led by House Committee on Justice Chair Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, the 11-member panel includes Representatives Terry Ridon, Ramon Rodrigo “Rodge” Gutierrez, Ysabel Maria Zamora, Lorenz Defensor, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, Leila de Lima, Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao, Jonathan Keith Flores, Lordan Suan and Joel Chua.
Adiong explained that lawmakers who step back from active courtroom prosecution could transition to dedicated media roles, while additional non-prosecutor spokespersons may also be designated.
“I think ongoing pa rin ‘yung pinag-uusapan ito sa prosecution panel. But definitely, may possibility po na may mga nakaupong prosecutors ngayon ang maaaring magbitaw ng kanilang position bilang miyembro ng prosecution panel at mag-act na lang as isa sa mga spokespersons,” Adiong added. “So maaari din po na magdagdag ng spokespersons.”
The potential reorganization comes after Presiding Officer and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero ordered the strict implementation of Rule 18, which prohibits prosecutors, defense counsels, senator-judges, respondents and witnesses from publicly discussing the merits of the pending trial.
Adiong noted that the existing spokespersons will remain in place, but active prosecutors who previously gave media interviews will now face tighter boundaries on what they can discuss publicly. The team is also studying whether the House must formally replace any prosecutor who steps down to preserve the 11-member composition elected by the chamber in May.
Co-spokesperson and Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Louise Co reaffirmed the prosecution’s commitment to respect the Senate’s authority, while calling for equal enforcement across all parties.
“We respect the presiding officer’s ruling and the authority of the impeachment court. We will comply,” Co said. “The same rules should be applied according to its terms to everyone covered by it. Iisa dapat ang standard na pinagbabatayan sa paano nagsasalita ang lahat ng partido sa prosecution at sa defense.”