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Luistro Urges Filipinos To Pray Ahead Of VP Duterte Trial
Photo courtesy from House of Representatives
House Lead Prosecutor Gerville Luistro on Thursday called on Filipinos to pray as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte approaches, saying the country deserves better leaders and a stronger republic.
Luistro made the appeal during the Mass for Truth, Justice, and Accountability held at the Chapel of the Nativity of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City. The prayer gathering, organized by Clergy for Good Governance, was held ahead of the Senate impeachment trial set to begin on July 6.
Addressing members of the clergy, supporters, and fellow prosecutors, Luistro asked the public to continue praying for the prosecution panel throughout the proceedings.
“Join us as we pray for the conviction of the respondent in this impeachment trial,” Luistro said.
She also thanked the clergy and the faithful for their support and encouraged Filipinos to stand with the prosecution until the trial concludes.
“Please walk with us. Please join us. Please be with us until the conclusion of this impeachment trial,” Luistro said.
Also present at the Mass were House prosecutors Rep. Leila de Lima, Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Rep. Joel Chua, Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, and Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, as well as private prosecutors Lorna Kapunan and Marforth Fua.
Luistro acknowledged the challenges facing the prosecution panel but said the prayers and support of Filipinos would help sustain them throughout the trial.
“We acknowledge our limitations. We acknowledge our imperfections. We acknowledge all our insufficiencies. But let me tell you, my dear brothers and sisters, all your prayers overpower them. All your support overpower them. Ultimately, everybody’s love for the Philippine nation overpower kung ano man ang kulang sa mga prosecutors,” she said.
She likewise urged Filipinos to pray not only for the prosecution but also for the defense panel, the senator-judges, and the nation as a whole.
“Let us pray even for the defense team. Let us pray even for the senator-judges. Let us pray for the entire Philippine nation,” Luistro said.
She said the call for prayer goes beyond the impeachment proceedings and reflects the hope for better leadership and governance.
“It is because we believe that Filipinos deserve better leaders. Filipinos deserve a better nation. Filipinos deserve a better republic,” Luistro said.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Bong Sarabia, with Msgr. Mel David of Parañaque delivering the homily. The gathering was led by Clergy for Good Governance convenor Fr. Robert Reyes, one of the complainants behind the third impeachment complaint against Duterte, which was later consolidated into the Articles of Impeachment approved by the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte after 257 lawmakers endorsed the verified complaint accusing her of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. Among the allegations are the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery involving Department of Education personnel, and alleged public threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez.
The Senate is scheduled to convene as an impeachment court on Monday, July 6, marking the formal start of Duterte's impeachment trial.
Luistro made the appeal during the Mass for Truth, Justice, and Accountability held at the Chapel of the Nativity of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City. The prayer gathering, organized by Clergy for Good Governance, was held ahead of the Senate impeachment trial set to begin on July 6.
Addressing members of the clergy, supporters, and fellow prosecutors, Luistro asked the public to continue praying for the prosecution panel throughout the proceedings.
“Join us as we pray for the conviction of the respondent in this impeachment trial,” Luistro said.
She also thanked the clergy and the faithful for their support and encouraged Filipinos to stand with the prosecution until the trial concludes.
“Please walk with us. Please join us. Please be with us until the conclusion of this impeachment trial,” Luistro said.
Also present at the Mass were House prosecutors Rep. Leila de Lima, Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Rep. Joel Chua, Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, and Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, as well as private prosecutors Lorna Kapunan and Marforth Fua.
Luistro acknowledged the challenges facing the prosecution panel but said the prayers and support of Filipinos would help sustain them throughout the trial.
“We acknowledge our limitations. We acknowledge our imperfections. We acknowledge all our insufficiencies. But let me tell you, my dear brothers and sisters, all your prayers overpower them. All your support overpower them. Ultimately, everybody’s love for the Philippine nation overpower kung ano man ang kulang sa mga prosecutors,” she said.
She likewise urged Filipinos to pray not only for the prosecution but also for the defense panel, the senator-judges, and the nation as a whole.
“Let us pray even for the defense team. Let us pray even for the senator-judges. Let us pray for the entire Philippine nation,” Luistro said.
She said the call for prayer goes beyond the impeachment proceedings and reflects the hope for better leadership and governance.
“It is because we believe that Filipinos deserve better leaders. Filipinos deserve a better nation. Filipinos deserve a better republic,” Luistro said.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Bong Sarabia, with Msgr. Mel David of Parañaque delivering the homily. The gathering was led by Clergy for Good Governance convenor Fr. Robert Reyes, one of the complainants behind the third impeachment complaint against Duterte, which was later consolidated into the Articles of Impeachment approved by the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte after 257 lawmakers endorsed the verified complaint accusing her of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. Among the allegations are the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery involving Department of Education personnel, and alleged public threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez.
The Senate is scheduled to convene as an impeachment court on Monday, July 6, marking the formal start of Duterte's impeachment trial.
Jul 2, 2026
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