Photo credit: Congress PH

House trial spokesperson Renee Co on Monday said the House prosecution panel successfully defended the impeachment process during the first phase of Senate pre-trial proceedings, ensuring that the case remains on track for full trial.

The impeachment proceedings involve Vice President Sara Duterte, whose case is currently moving through pre-trial stages before the Senate impeachment court.

Co said the prosecution’s main objective was to prevent delays and keep the process moving toward a full trial where evidence and witnesses can finally be presented.

“The House prosecutors stood their ground. They did not yield an inch on matters affecting the integrity, timetable, and orderly conduct of the impeachment proceedings,” Co said.

She stressed that the prosecution’s focus was not on procedural conflict but on ensuring the case proceeds without unnecessary interruptions.

“Ang pinakamahalagang resulta ng pre-trial conference ay ito: tuloy ang proseso. Tuloy ang timetable. Tuloy ang paghahanda para sa trial proper,” Co said.

“Ang gusto ng taumbayan ay hindi endless procedural debates. Ang gusto nila ay marinig ang mga testigo, makita ang mga ebidensya, at malaman ang katotohanan,” she added.

Co said the prosecution team remained alert to any attempts to slow down or derail the proceedings through technical arguments or procedural tactics, insisting that the process should remain focused on substance.

“The prosecution consistently pushed for forward movement. Every position we took was guided by one principle: the Filipino people deserve a timely trial and a timely resolution of the issues,” she said.

After two days of pre-trial discussions, Co said the prosecution believes the schedule for the trial proper remains intact, with no major obstacles blocking its continuation.

“Sa ngayon, malinaw ang direksyon ng proseso. Walang hadlang sa pagpapatuloy ng paglilitis. Walang dahilan upang hindi marating ang trial proper kung saan maririnig na ang mga testigo at maipapakita na ang mga ebidensya,” she said.

She also emphasized that impeachment cases should be resolved based on evidence presented in court rather than procedural disputes.

“Hindi dapat maipit ang taumbayan sa mga teknikalidad. Ang impeachment trial ay dapat umusad patungo sa punto kung saan masasagot ang pinakamahahalagang tanong at maipapakita ang mga katotohanan,” Co said.

Co reiterated that the prosecution will continue to oppose any moves that could unnecessarily delay or obstruct the proceedings, while respecting due process for all parties involved.

“We respect the rights of every party and every legal remedy available under the rules. But we will remain vigilant against any effort that unnecessarily prolongs, obstructs, or frustrates the impeachment process,” she said.

“The Constitution contemplates accountability. Accountability requires a trial. And a trial requires that the process move forward,” she added.

The prosecution team, Co said, is now shifting its focus to final preparations for the presentation of witnesses and evidence once the trial proper begins.

“Round one was about protecting the process. The next phase is about presenting the facts,” she said.

“Ang mahalaga ngayon ay nananatiling bukas ang daan patungo sa isang buong paglilitis. At kapag nagsimula na ang trial, ang pag-uusapan na ay hindi teknikalidad kundi katotohanan,” Co said.