The House of Representatives’ 11-member prosecution panel on Tuesday said it is prepared to carry out its constitutional duty in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte following the formal convening of the Senate as an impeachment court.
Manila Representative Joel Chua, a member of the prosecution team, said the panel is ready to present evidence and comply with the procedures set by the impeachment tribunal.
“We acknowledge the convening of the Senate impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte,” he said.
“As members of the House prosecution panel, we look forward to performing our mandate under the Constitution with seriousness, discipline and respect for the process,” he added.
The impeachment case stems from allegations involving the alleged misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and supposed threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other government officials.
The Senate’s convening as an impeachment court came after weeks of political tension within the chamber, including leadership changes and controversies involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa, an ally of the Duterte family who is being sought by the International Criminal Court over the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The Manila solon stressed that the impeachment proceedings form part of the constitutional accountability mechanisms for impeachable public officials.
“This is a constitutional duty entrusted to the House of Representatives, especially in matters involving accountability of impeachable public officers,” he said.
The House prosecution panel is expected to present evidence before senators acting as judges in the trial. Conviction would require a two-thirds vote of the Senate and could result in removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Chua said the prosecution team remains focused on ensuring that the evidence and facts surrounding the case are fully examined during the proceedings.
“At this stage, our duty is clear: to help ensure that the facts are heard, the evidence is tested and the process is carried out in a manner worthy of the trust of the Filipino people,” he said.