House trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the growing number of private lawyers volunteering to assist in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte reflects confidence in the strength of the prosecution’s case.
“Ay kabaliktaran po. Kaya nga po marami pong nag-volunteer sa atin dahil ang mga private prosecutors naniniwala sila na malaki ang kaso, malakas ang kaso at overwhelming po ang evidence,” Adiong said in an interview.
Adiong made the statement when asked about claims questioning the participation of private prosecutors in the impeachment proceedings.
The House prosecution panel has tapped private lawyers to help public prosecutors in trial preparation, presentation of evidence, and handling of witnesses before the Senate impeachment court.
Adiong said the participation of private prosecutors is allowed under the rules and is an option available not only to the prosecution but also to the defense.
“Again, this will not only be limited to the House Prosecution Panel to exercise or observe but it will also be extended to the defense,” Adiong said.
The Senate impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on July 6, with Duterte facing Articles of Impeachment involving alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats.
The prosecution is expected to use the opening day to present its overall theory of the case before proceeding to the first article, subject to the Senate impeachment court’s resolution of pending matters.
Adiong said lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro is expected to deliver the prosecution’s opening remarks and outline the general direction of the House’s case.
“Well, sir, sa ngayon po, ang understanding is that the lead counsel, which is Chairperson Jinky Luistro, siya po yung magde-deliver ng ano ng preliminary remarks or opening remarks sa Korte pero, well, that can still be adjusted to include other public prosecutors,” Adiong said.
“Right now, we believe that the lead prosecutor, Congresswoman Jinky Luistro, ang mag-a-address po o magdi-deliver ng summation, kumbaga general description of what would be the case of the House Prosecution Panel, including that of the private prosecutors,” he added.
The addition of private lawyers comes as the House prosecution panel prepares to present documentary evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments before the impeachment court and the public.