A House prosecution official has suggested that a series of recent controversies in the Senate may be part of efforts to shift public attention away from the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
He said the timing of several developments coinciding with key milestones in the impeachment process has raised questions among observers, even as he clarified that no direct link or coordination has been established.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua noted that similar disruptions appeared to align with major steps in the case, including the House plenary vote on impeachment and the formal transmission of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.
He indicated that such incidents have fueled speculation that attention may be being diverted from the constitutional process, though no evidence has been presented to support any coordinated effort.
Despite this, the prosecution stressed that the focus should remain on the impeachment case itself and the Senate’s constitutional duty to proceed with trial once the Articles are received.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on May 11, 2026, following a vote of 257 lawmakers in favor, 25 against, and nine abstentions. The Articles of Impeachment have since been transmitted to the Senate, which is set to begin the trial on July 6.
The prosecution team, Chua said, is currently preparing for the pre-trial phase scheduled for June 18, where both sides will define issues, mark evidence, and identify witnesses ahead of the formal trial.
House prosecutors earlier noted that they are preparing around 25 witnesses, most of whom will testify on allegations involving unexplained wealth and the alleged misuse of confidential funds.