The House of Representatives is looking at forming a prosecution panel composed of both veteran and newly elected lawmakers for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Justice committee chair Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro.
Luistro said the potential lineup could include members who previously served in impeachment proceedings, alongside fresh faces in Congress, following the committee’s finding of probable cause to move forward with the complaints.
Among those being considered from the earlier pool are Manila Rep. Joel Chua, San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, Bukidnon Rep. Keith Flores, and 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez.
Luistro also identified possible additions from the current roster of lawmakers, including Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan Suan.
“We have many lawyers in the House. The question is who is ready and willing to take on this role,” Luistro said, noting that legal experience will be a key consideration in forming the panel.
Congress is set to resume session on May 4, with the committee finalizing its report containing the articles of impeachment. The document will be submitted to the plenary, where at least three-fourths of House members—or over 120 lawmakers—must approve it for the case to proceed.
Luistro added that her own participation in the prosecution team is not guaranteed, despite her role as committee chair.
For now, she said her priority is completing the committee’s report and preparing it for deliberation at the plenary level.