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Advocates Philippines
Luistro Calls For Tight Senate Security Ahead Of VP Trial
Congress FILE
House Committee on Justice Chairperson and lead impeachment prosecutor Atty. Gerville Luistro on Thursday urged law enforcement agencies to step up security measures at the Senate ahead of next week's pre-trial conference in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Speaking at a press conference at the House of Representatives, Luistro said authorities should ensure the safety of everyone involved in the proceedings, including prosecutors, witnesses, Senate personnel and the evidence that will be presented.
Her appeal came amid reports of a security threat and the defacement of the Senate's website, although she said it remains unclear whether these incidents are connected to the impeachment case.
“You know, it’s hard to speculate if this is connected to the impeachment trial,” Luistro said.
“What is clear, we have a schedule already for our first pre-trial conference on June 18, and that will be this coming Thursday,” she added.
Luistro said the concern extends to those who will participate in the filing of the prosecution's pre-trial brief on Monday, as well as the conduct of the pre-trial conference on June 18.
“So I wish to express my concern about the security and safety of those who will be joining the filing of pre-trial brief on Monday, and those who will be joining the conduct of the pre-trial conference on Thursday, as well as all the senators, even the defense team, and the officials and employees of the Senate, who are staying in the premises,” Luistro said.
She called on law enforcement and investigative agencies to closely examine the matter.
“And let me take advantage of this opportunity upang manawagan sa ating law enforcement agencies,” Luistro said.
“That includes, of course, the investigative bodies like the NBI, the DOJ, the BNP,” she added.
“Atin pong tingnan nito, let us look into this and make sure na ligtas, safe and secured, ang premises ng Senate,” Luistro said.
According to Luistro, the issue takes on greater importance if the reported threat is linked to the impeachment proceedings.
“If this is connected to the impeachment trial, then we have more reason to make sure that this will be addressed, because this is a very significant process,” Luistro said.
“This is a constitutional process that concerns the interests of every Filipino across the world,” she added.
“Whether connected or not, sana ay tutukan po ito ng ating mga katuwang sa paglilingkod mula sa law enforcement agencies,” Luistro said.
Luistro also disclosed that House leaders have already begun coordinating efforts to provide security for the prosecutors following reports from the National Bureau of Investigation and the hacking of the Senate's official website.
“Well, the leadership actually initiated the communication already about providing the necessary security to all the prosecutors, considering the report of the NBI, the hacking of the Senate official website,” Luistro said.
She added that the prosecution team is likewise focused on protecting witnesses and preserving evidence that may be presented during the proceedings.
“And, of course, apart from this, we express likewise our concern in securing as well our witnesses and the evidence to be presented,” Luistro said.
“There are ongoing communications already in order to address that,” Luistro added.
The House prosecution panel is scheduled to file its pre-trial brief on June 15, while the first pre-trial conference before the Senate impeachment court is set for June 18.
Speaking at a press conference at the House of Representatives, Luistro said authorities should ensure the safety of everyone involved in the proceedings, including prosecutors, witnesses, Senate personnel and the evidence that will be presented.
Her appeal came amid reports of a security threat and the defacement of the Senate's website, although she said it remains unclear whether these incidents are connected to the impeachment case.
“You know, it’s hard to speculate if this is connected to the impeachment trial,” Luistro said.
“What is clear, we have a schedule already for our first pre-trial conference on June 18, and that will be this coming Thursday,” she added.
Luistro said the concern extends to those who will participate in the filing of the prosecution's pre-trial brief on Monday, as well as the conduct of the pre-trial conference on June 18.
“So I wish to express my concern about the security and safety of those who will be joining the filing of pre-trial brief on Monday, and those who will be joining the conduct of the pre-trial conference on Thursday, as well as all the senators, even the defense team, and the officials and employees of the Senate, who are staying in the premises,” Luistro said.
She called on law enforcement and investigative agencies to closely examine the matter.
“And let me take advantage of this opportunity upang manawagan sa ating law enforcement agencies,” Luistro said.
“That includes, of course, the investigative bodies like the NBI, the DOJ, the BNP,” she added.
“Atin pong tingnan nito, let us look into this and make sure na ligtas, safe and secured, ang premises ng Senate,” Luistro said.
According to Luistro, the issue takes on greater importance if the reported threat is linked to the impeachment proceedings.
“If this is connected to the impeachment trial, then we have more reason to make sure that this will be addressed, because this is a very significant process,” Luistro said.
“This is a constitutional process that concerns the interests of every Filipino across the world,” she added.
“Whether connected or not, sana ay tutukan po ito ng ating mga katuwang sa paglilingkod mula sa law enforcement agencies,” Luistro said.
Luistro also disclosed that House leaders have already begun coordinating efforts to provide security for the prosecutors following reports from the National Bureau of Investigation and the hacking of the Senate's official website.
“Well, the leadership actually initiated the communication already about providing the necessary security to all the prosecutors, considering the report of the NBI, the hacking of the Senate official website,” Luistro said.
She added that the prosecution team is likewise focused on protecting witnesses and preserving evidence that may be presented during the proceedings.
“And, of course, apart from this, we express likewise our concern in securing as well our witnesses and the evidence to be presented,” Luistro said.
“There are ongoing communications already in order to address that,” Luistro added.
The House prosecution panel is scheduled to file its pre-trial brief on June 15, while the first pre-trial conference before the Senate impeachment court is set for June 18.
Jun 11, 2026
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