A House prosecutor on Friday expressed optimism that the long-delayed impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will finally move forward, following the announcement that the Senate will convene as an impeachment court on May 18. This development was confirmed by newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
Prosecution Welcomes Senate Action
Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua welcomed the news, stating that it indicates the impeachment process will proceed “forthwith,” as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. “There appears to be consensus among the new Senate majority that the impeachment trial should finally proceed. That is welcome news to us in the House Prosecution Team,” Chua said.
He added, “We simply want a fair opportunity to present the Articles of Impeachment, prosecute the case, and allow the evidence to be appreciated by the Impeachment Court.”
Background of the Impeachment
The House of Representatives recently transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate after an overwhelming 257 lawmakers voted to impeach Duterte for the second time. The charges include alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Prosecution Preparations
Chua confirmed that the House prosecution panel is now preparing motions, witnesses, documentary evidence, and counter-arguments ahead of the Senate trial. “With the Senate expected to convene as an Impeachment Court on May 18, we are preparing accordingly and are ready to fulfill our constitutional duty as prosecutors,” he said.
He emphasized that the trial will allow both the prosecution and Duterte’s camp to present their evidence and arguments before the senator-judges. “We believe the senator-judges likewise want the opportunity to hear the side of the twice-impeached Vice President Duterte and to examine the evidence that the House Prosecution Team will present before the Impeachment Court,” Chua added.
Supreme Court Not Expected to Intervene
Chua noted that recent developments before the Supreme Court do not indicate any imminent intervention that would halt the proceedings. “We also note that the Supreme Court has not been inclined to issue TROs (temporary restraining orders) in recent related matters. That gives us confidence that the constitutional process is being allowed to move forward,” he said.
Chua concluded, “We shall proceed one day at a time, one step at a time.” The prosecution team will also work with private prosecutors and experts in constitutional law, auditing, financial forensics, corporate law, and finance.
