House trial spokespersons on Monday urged the Senate impeachment court to allow the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to proceed based on evidence, due process, and the Constitution.
Speaking ahead of the formal opening of the proceedings, House trial spokespersons Zia Alonto Adiong, Atty. Renee Co, and legal spokesperson Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. said impeachment is a constitutional mechanism that should not be reduced to politics or personalities.
“This is not about personalities or politics. This is about allowing our institutions to do their work,” Alonto Adiong said during a press conference at the Senate.
He said the prosecution’s appeal was straightforward: allow the trial to begin, let the evidence be presented, and give both sides the opportunity to be heard.
“Our simple appeal is this: let the trial begin. Let the evidence be presented and let both sides be heard,” Alonto Adiong said.
He said Filipinos deserve a fair, orderly, and transparent process, with the impeachment court serving as the proper forum to examine the facts.
Alonto Adiong stressed that the start of the trial should not be treated as a moment for judgment, but as the first constitutional step toward determining the truth.
“Today is not about declarations or conclusions. Today is about taking the first constitutional step toward establishing the truth,” he said.
Co, for her part, called on Filipinos, especially the youth, to closely monitor the proceedings, verify information, and take part in public discussions grounded on facts.
“In just a few hours, the Senate impeachment court will begin hearing a case that is significant not only for our institutions but also for the future of our democracy,” Co said.
She said young Filipinos should view the trial as a real-time lesson in constitutional democracy and civic participation.
“This is our moment to pay attention, to ask questions, verify facts, witness how the Constitution works and participate in the processes,” Co said.
Co emphasized that impeachment is not a political spectacle, but a constitutional process for accountability and due process.
“The impeachment trial is a constitutional process. It is not a spectacle to cheer for or against,” Co said.
She said the public has waited long enough for answers and has the right to hear the evidence, understand the proceedings, and follow the trial with an open mind.
“The public deserves to hear the evidence,” Co said.
Co also urged the public to reject disinformation as the proceedings unfold.
Tolosa said the prosecution would approach the trial with respect for the Constitution, the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, and the rule of law.
“Our duty is clear: to present evidence in support of the Articles of Impeachment,” Tolosa said.
He said prosecutors would carry out that responsibility professionally and fairly.
Tolosa also said the case should not be decided by rhetoric, political noise, or public opinion.
“The trial is not about rhetoric or public opinion. It is about evidence, due process, and accountability under the Constitution,” he said.
He urged the public to allow the constitutional process to proceed before the impeachment court.