HOUSE trial spokespersons Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Renee Louise Co of Kabataan Party-list and legal spokesperson Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. on Monday said the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte must now proceed through evidence, due process, and the constitutional forum.
Speaking ahead of the formal start of trial, Alonto Adiong said impeachment is a process clearly provided by the Constitution and should not be reduced to politics or personalities.
“This is not about personalities or politics. This is about allowing our institutions to do their work,” Alonto Adiong said in a press conference at the Senate.
He said the prosecution’s appeal is simple: allow the trial to begin and let both sides be heard.
“Our simple appeal is this, let the trial begin. Let the evidence be presented and let both sides be heard,” Alonto Adiong said.
He said the Filipino people deserve a fair, orderly, and transparent process, with the impeachment court serving as the proper venue to test the facts.
“No one should fear the truth,” Alonto Adiong said.
“The proper venue to test the facts is the impeachment court, not the court of public opinion,” he added.
Alonto Adiong said the opening of trial is not a moment for conclusions, but the first constitutional step toward establishing the truth.
“Today is not about declarations or conclusions. Today is about taking the first constitutional step toward establishing the truth,” he said.
Co called on Filipinos, especially the youth, to follow the proceedings closely, verify facts, and participate in public discussions grounded on evidence.
“In just a few hours, the Senate impeachment court will begin hearing a case that is significant not only for our institutions but also for the future of our democracy,” Co said.
She said young Filipinos should treat the trial as a live lesson in constitutional democracy.
“This is our moment to pay attention, to ask questions, verify facts, witness how the Constitution works and participate in the processes,” Co said.
Co stressed that impeachment is not a political show, but a constitutional mechanism for accountability and due process.
“The impeachment trial is a constitutional process. It is not a spectacle to cheer for or against,” Co said.
She said the public has waited long enough for answers.
“Gutom na tayo sa pananagutan,” Co said.
Co said Filipinos have the right to hear the evidence and understand what happens in the trial.
“The public deserves to hear the evidence,” Co said.
She urged the public to follow the proceedings with an open mind and reject disinformation.
“Listen to the evidence, reject disinformation, and participate in conversations grounded on facts,” Co said.
Tolosa said prosecutors will approach the trial with respect for the Constitution, the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, and the rule of law.
“Our duty is clear: to present evidence in support of the Articles of Impeachment,” Tolosa said.
He said the prosecution will perform that duty professionally and fairly.
“We will do so professionally, fairly, and with fidelity to the constitutional process,” Tolosa said.
Tolosa said the trial should not be decided by rhetoric or public opinion.
“The trial is not about rhetoric or public opinion. It is about evidence, due process, and accountability under the Constitution,” he said.
He asked the public to allow the process to unfold before the impeachment court.
“We trust the impeachment court to hear the case with fairness and impartiality, and we ask the public to allow the process to unfold,” Tolosa said.
“At the appropriate time, the evidence will speak for itself,” Tolosa added.
