THE House prosecution panel on Tuesday welcomed the Senate’s formal convening as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, saying the development reflects the constitutional process moving forward and paves the way for the case to proceed without unnecessary delay.
Lead House prosecutor and House Committee on Justice Chair Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro lauded the Senate for convening as an impeachment court, describing it as an important step in upholding the constitutional duty to hear and resolve impeachment cases.
“As we witnessed yesterday (Monday), the impeachment court already convened, and we commend the action of the Senate of the Philippines for responding to the mandate of the Constitution,” Luistro said during a press conference.
But Luistro emphasized that the constitutional requirement does not stop with the convening of the court.
“Nevertheless, let us all be reminded that what is mandated to be forthwith is not only the convening, it is the trial that is mandated to be forthwith,” she said.
The House prosecutors said they are now preparing for the pre-trial and the eventual presentation of witnesses and evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
“We therefore look forward that after the pre-trial, we will immediately proceed to the presentation of witnesses, presentation of evidence, and consequently, to the judgment,” Luistro said.
“By judgment, it’s only either acquittal or conviction,” she said.
The Senate on Monday formally convened as an impeachment court after senators took their oath as senator-judges in Duterte’s impending impeachment trial.
The House prosecution panel had earlier formally entered its appearance before the Senate impeachment court as public prosecutors representing the House of Representatives in the impeachment case against Duterte.
