THE House of Representatives has formally requested the assignment of a work area in the Senate building for the Public Prosecution Panel in preparation for the impeachment trial of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a letter dated March 5, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco asked Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to provide a space that will serve as a holding and work area for the House prosecutors and the House Secretariat Support Group (SSG) for the duration of the impeachment trial.
“On behalf of the House of Representatives Public Prosecution Panel, may I humbly request the assignment of a room in the Senate that will be utilized as a work and holding area for the Public Prosecutors and the House of Representatives Secretariat Support Group (SSG) for the duration of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte,” Velasco wrote.
The House official further requested an inspection of the designated room to ensure it meets the needs of the prosecution team.
“We request that we be allowed to conduct an ocular inspection on March 11, 2025, of the room to be assigned to determine how it will be set up to provide a comfortable and convenient working environment for the Public Prosecutors and the SSG,” he added.
The Senate formally received the letter on March 6.
This request comes as the House of Representatives moves forward with its role in the impeachment trial, following the transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment against VP Duterte in February.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez also acknowledged receipt of a separate letter from Escudero dated February 24 regarding the verified impeachment complaint and Senate preparations for the trial.
“In line with established procedures, I have forwarded your letter to the House prosecution panel for their appropriate comment and action,” Speaker Romualdez said in a letter dated March 3.
Speaker Romualdez assured the Senate that the House is committed to ensuring that the proceedings are conducted fairly and in accordance with the Constitution.
“The House of Representatives trusts that the proceedings will be conducted with fairness, impartiality, and strict adherence to the provisions of the Constitution,” Speaker Romualdez stated.
The Speaker also emphasized the importance of maintaining coordination between both chambers of Congress to ensure a smooth and transparent impeachment process.
“We appreciate your commitment to ensuring an orderly and transparent process and will remain in coordination as we fulfill our respective mandates,” he added.
The Senate is expected to act on the request as the impeachment trial progresses, with both chambers of Congress now fully engaged in the historic proceedings.
