The House prosecution panel has formally recognized Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as the presiding officer for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This development comes after the Senate reorganization that took place on Wednesday, June 3.
Panel Follows House Stance
House Justice Committee Chair and lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro stated that the panel will adhere to the position of the House of Representatives, which has already acknowledged the new Senate leadership under Senator Gatchalian. Luistro clarified that the House prosecution team cannot adopt a stance contrary to the decision of the entire chamber, which officially recognized Gatchalian as acting Senate President following the reorganization.
No Separate Position
Luistro emphasized that the panel is bound by the House's collective decision. Should Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's camp issue a separate notice, the panel insisted that they will face Gatchalian. Earlier, on Thursday, June 4, Gatchalian announced that he would serve as the head of the impeachment court, which is scheduled to begin in July.
The recognition solidifies the procedural framework for the trial, ensuring that the prosecution team operates under a unified command. The House prosecution panel's decision underscores the importance of adhering to legislative protocols and avoiding conflicting positions that could delay the proceedings.
Observers note that this move may streamline the trial process, as Gatchalian's leadership is expected to bring clarity to the roles of senator-judges. The trial is set to be a significant event in the country's political landscape, with Vice President Sara Duterte facing charges that have drawn national attention.
