The House prosecution panel and its private legal team are on standby as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to move forward in June following the Senate’s adoption of a trial timeline.
Both the prosecution and defense camps are expected to comply with the procedures laid down by the Senate after it formally convenes as an impeachment court.
“Well, the Senate has already adopted and set the timeline. Unless, of course, there’s a massive or very significant change that might happen,” House prosecutors panel spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said in a television interview.
He added that both parties would likely follow the writ of summons and other directives that will be issued by the impeachment court.
Under the expected process, Duterte will first receive summons from the Senate, after which her camp will submit formal answers before the proceedings move to pre-trial and eventually to the actual trial.
“And so, yeah, probably around June the actual trial will begin,” Adiong said.
The House prosecution panel said it remains confident that its case will stand once evidence and official records are formally presented before the senator-judges and the public.
“As soon as we present the evidence to the people and to the Senate itself acting as an impeachment court, I’m positive for a favorable outcome,” he noted.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, alleged bribery, and threats, accusations that the Vice President has denied.
He also confirmed that private prosecutors are assisting the House prosecution panel, although he declined to disclose their identities and law firms ahead of the formal proceedings.
“I’m not specifically privy to the names, but there are also private prosecutors,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed that the prosecution team intends to remain fully compliant with the Senate impeachment court and be prepared for any directive once the proceedings formally begin.
“Gusto nila maging compliant sa Senate. Anytime na puwede silang papuntahin,” Adiong said.
Asked whether the prosecution team was already on standby, the lawmaker replied directly: “They’re on standby.”
According to Adiong, the House prosecutors are now preparing to present their case under the rules adopted by the Senate, with the next phase expected to focus on how evidence will be examined and challenged during the impeachment trial.