LEAD impeachment prosecutor and House Committee on Justice Chair Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro emphasized on Thursday that the proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte serve not only to determine accountability but also give the embattled official the opportunity to prove her innocence and clear her name before the public.
Speaking on the program Kongreso Ngayon @ Your Service, Luistro explained that the process works in favor of both sides. “If there is really no evidence to convict the Vice President, this is also the venue for the Articles of Impeachment to be immediately dismissed and for her name to be fully cleared,” she stated.
Luistro made the remark as the 11-member House prosecution panel steps up preparations for the trial, following the formal transmittal of the impeachment complaint to the Senate and the chamber’s convening as an impeachment court. The team includes lawmakers Terry Ridon, Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, Ysabel Maria Zamora, Lorenz Defensor, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, Leila de Lima, Kaka Bag‑ao, Jonathan Keith Flores, Lordan Suan, and Joel Chua. The charges filed against Duterte include misuse of confidential funds, accumulation of unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against high‑ranking government officials.
The lead prosecutor noted that the process allows both the prosecution and the defense to present their evidence fully before the Senate. “If the respondent is convicted, it means her guilt has been proven, and the penalty is removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
If acquitted, it means she has been proven innocent,” Luistro explained. She also clarified that while Senate rules do not set a strict deadline to conclude the proceedings, judgment is expected to be rendered as soon as both sides have completed presenting their respective cases.
