The 11-member prosecution panel of the House of Representatives officially submitted its entry of appearance at the Senate Impeachment Court on Monday at 5:32 PM, ahead of the impending trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This followed the senators' oath-taking and convening as a tribunal.
Formal Submission of Entry of Appearance
The “Formal Entry of Appearance” was personally filed with the Senate Impeachment Court by House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil on behalf of the prosecutors elected by the lower chamber. This filing signals the House's readiness to proceed with the historic impeachment trial after the chamber voted 257-25, with nine abstentions, to impeach Duterte and transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.
Prosecution Panel Members
In the three-page motion, the 11 House lawmakers formally presented themselves as public prosecutors in the case against Duterte. The motion named House Committee on Justice Chair and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro as the lead public prosecutor. All court processes will be routed through the Office of the Secretary General of the House.
The document was signed by Luistro and her fellow public prosecutors: Reps. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list); Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list); Ysabel Maria Zamora (San Juan City); Lorenz Defensor (Iloilo 3rd District); Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno (Akbayan Party-list); Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Party-list); Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands); Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon 2nd District); Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro 1st District); and Joel Chua (Manila 3rd District).
