The House prosecution panel has urged the Senate to resolve its ongoing leadership issue before the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte begins, warning that unresolved questions could lead to another constitutional challenge.
House Committee on Justice Chair and lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said the House recognizes the authority of acting Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, who has been presiding over matters related to the impeachment court. She noted that official communications from the Senate on the proceedings are currently being signed in his capacity as presiding officer.
Despite this, the Batangas solon said it would be preferable for senators to settle the leadership question ahead of the formal trial. She stressed that impeachment proceedings are highly sensitive and may be vulnerable to legal challenges if procedural issues are raised.
She cited a previous impeachment-related case that was later struck down by the Supreme Court despite the House’s position that it had complied with constitutional requirements, underscoring the need to avoid similar complications.
She pointed out that the House would respect whichever leadership arrangement the Senate decides on, whether Gatchalian remains in place or a new Senate President is elected. However, she expressed concern that uncertainty in leadership could be questioned before the Supreme Court and potentially affect the proceedings.
“We are apprehensive that we might encounter another constitutional issue because we will be starting the trial and there is no duly elected Senate President,” the House lead impeachment prosecutor said, while reiterating recognition of the current Senate leadership arrangement.
The Senate impeachment court is set to hold its pre-trial conference on June 18, with the formal impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte scheduled to begin on July 6.