Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines

The House prosecution panel on Monday urged the Senate impeachment court to move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the proceedings should be guided by evidence, due process, and the Constitution—not politics or public opinion.

Speaking before the formal start of the trial, House trial spokespersons Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, Renee Louise Co of Kabataan Party-list, and legal spokesperson Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. emphasized that the impeachment process is a constitutional mechanism designed to determine accountability through a fair hearing.

Adiong said the focus should remain on allowing the country's institutions to function as intended.

“This is not about personalities or politics. This is about allowing our institutions to do their work,” Adiong said during a press conference at the Senate.

He stressed that both the prosecution and the defense should be given the opportunity to present their respective sides before any conclusions are made.

“Our simple appeal is this, let the trial begin. Let the evidence be presented and let both sides be heard,” Adiong said.

According to him, the impeachment court—not public debate—is the proper venue for examining the facts behind the case.

“No one should fear the truth,” Adiong said.

“The proper venue to test the facts is the impeachment court, not the court of public opinion,” he added.

He also reminded the public that the opening of the trial marks only the beginning of the constitutional process.

“Today is not about declarations or conclusions. Today is about taking the first constitutional step toward establishing the truth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Co encouraged Filipinos, particularly the youth, to closely follow the impeachment proceedings and engage in discussions based on verified information.

“In just a few hours, the Senate impeachment court will begin hearing a case that is significant not only for our institutions but also for the future of our democracy,” Co said.

She described the trial as an opportunity for young Filipinos to better understand how constitutional democracy works.

“This is our moment to pay attention, to ask questions, verify facts, witness how the Constitution works and participate in the processes,” Co said.

Co also emphasized that the impeachment trial should not be viewed as political entertainment but as a constitutional process intended to uphold accountability.

“The impeachment trial is a constitutional process. It is not a spectacle to cheer for or against,” Co said.

She added that many Filipinos have long been waiting for accountability.

“Gutom na tayo sa pananagutan,” Co said.

“The public deserves to hear the evidence,” she added.

Co also urged the public to remain vigilant against false information as the proceedings unfold.

“Listen to the evidence, reject disinformation, and participate in conversations grounded on facts,” Co said.

For his part, Tolosa said the prosecution is committed to presenting its case with professionalism and full respect for the Constitution and the Senate acting as an impeachment court.

“Our duty is clear: to present evidence in support of the Articles of Impeachment,” Tolosa said.

“We will do so professionally, fairly, and with fidelity to the constitutional process,” he added.

Tolosa likewise reminded the public that the outcome of the impeachment trial should be based solely on the evidence presented before the court.

“The trial is not about rhetoric or public opinion. It is about evidence, due process, and accountability under the Constitution,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the Senate impeachment court would hear the case fairly and impartially.

“We trust the impeachment court to hear the case with fairness and impartiality, and we ask the public to allow the process to unfold,” Tolosa said.

“At the appropriate time, the evidence will speak for itself,” he added.