HOUSE prosecutor and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua over the weekend suggested that a series of controversies that coincided with key developments in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte may be part of efforts to divert public attention from the proceedings.
Appearing at the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City, Chua said he believes attempts to delay or derail the impeachment process have been evident since the House impeached the Vice President.
“Sa tingin ko po, right from the very beginning, ‘yan naman talaga ang kanilang strategy,” Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, said when asked whether the ongoing turmoil in the Senate could be used to delay the impeachment trial scheduled to begin on July 6.
The House prosecution panel has consistently maintained that the impeachment proceedings should move forward without delay, citing the Constitution’s requirement that the Senate proceed with the trial upon receiving the Articles of Impeachment.
Chua pointed to a series of developments that unfolded alongside major milestones in the impeachment process, saying their timing appeared to have shifted public attention away from the case.
“Kung titingnan po ninyo ang pagkakasunod-sunod ng pagkakataon, nung araw po na kami ay bomoboto sa plenaryo para dito po sa impeachment, ‘yun din ‘yung araw kung saan nagkagulo po ang leadership ng Senado,” he said.
“‘Yung araw naman po na ita-transmit po ‘yung Articles of Impeachment sa Senado, ‘yun din yung araw kung saan nagkaroon ng barilan sa Senado,” he added.
While stopping short of alleging any coordination, Chua said the timing of the incidents has prompted speculation among some observers.
“Marami pong nagsasabi na baka may connection din ito, baka talagang gusto nila malihis ‘yung totoong isyu po dito sa impeachment,” he said.
Chua stressed that regardless of the political controversies surrounding the Senate, the focus should remain on the allegations contained in the Articles of Impeachment and the Senate’s constitutional duty to hear and decide the case.
Despite the developments, he said the House prosecution panel remains focused on preparing for the next phase of the proceedings.
The prosecution is set to submit its pre-trial brief ahead of the June 18 pre-trial conference, where both sides are expected to stipulate facts, mark evidence and identify witnesses before the trial proper.
The House impeached Vice President Duterte on May 11, 2026, after 257 lawmakers voted in favor of the complaint, with 25 opposed and nine abstentions.
The Articles of Impeachment have since been transmitted to the Senate, which is scheduled to begin the trial on July 6.
Chua said the prosecution is preparing to present around 25 witnesses, most of whom are expected to testify on issues involving Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth and the use of confidential funds.
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