MANILA – The House prosecution panel has officially entered its appearance before the Senate Impeachment Court, signaling its readiness to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
On Monday, House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil submitted the “Formal Entry of Appearance” on behalf of the 11 prosecutors designated by the House of Representatives, following the Senate’s convening as an impeachment court.
The filing confirmed that the members of the prosecution team were formally chosen by the chamber to represent the case.
House Committee on Justice Chair Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas 2nd District was named as the lead public prosecutor tasked with coordinating the panel’s work before the Senate tribunal.
The document also directed that all official court communications, including notices and rulings, be furnished to Luistro through the House Secretary General’s office.
The prosecution team includes Reps. Terry Ridon, Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, Ysabel Maria Zamora, Lorenz Defensor, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, Leila de Lima, Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao, Jonathan Keith Flores, Lordan Suan, and Joel Chua.
This development follows the House vote of 257–25, with nine abstentions, to impeach Duterte and send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.
The complaint cites allegations involving misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
ia/xf
