Members of the House prosecution panel on Monday said they are prepared to present evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte following the formal convening of the Senate as an impeachment court.
Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said the prosecution team is ready to proceed with the trial and comply with all directives issued by the impeachment court.
“We thank the Senate for convening the Senate impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Ridon said.
“The House prosecution panel will comply with all orders, directives, and processes of the impeachment court, and we are ready to present the evidence before the impeachment court in the coming days,” he added.
The Senate formally convened Monday afternoon, with senators taking their oath as judges in the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
The Vice President is facing allegations involving the alleged misuse of confidential funds, threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and questions surrounding alleged unexplained wealth.
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, another member of the prosecution panel, expressed hope that the impeachment court would handle the proceedings fairly and without delay.
“Ngayong nag convene na ang Senado bilang impeachment court, umaasa tayo na agaran at patas na paglilitis kay VP Sara Duterte ukol sa mga alegasyon na hindi pa rin niya hinaharap,” De Lima said.
She also called on the public to continue monitoring the impeachment proceedings and support efforts toward accountability.
“On my part, as a member of the House prosecution panel we pray for strength and wisdom as we carry out this very significant mission to prosecute and hold VP Sara accountable,” she added.
The lawmaker stressed that justice and accountability should ultimately prevail as the impeachment trial moves forward.