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Prosecutor Says Sara Duterte Case Should Still Proceed Even If She Steps Down
Photo credit: Congress PH
House lead impeachment prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas said the possible resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte should not automatically halt the ongoing impeachment process, stressing that the Senate still has to decide on the penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.
Speaking at a press briefing of the 11-member House prosecution panel, Luistro explained that impeachment carries two possible penalties upon conviction: removal from office and permanent disqualification from holding any government post.
Luistro clarified that her position reflects her personal legal view and not necessarily that of the entire prosecution team.
According to her, even if resignation makes the “removal from office” penalty irrelevant, the impeachment trial should still continue so the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, can determine whether perpetual disqualification should still be imposed.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno backed the position, calling it a valid legal interpretation raised by the prosecution’s chair.
Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima stressed that impeachment is also about due process, allowing the Vice President to formally respond to the allegations against her.
De Lima said Duterte should face the accusations directly, adding that if there is nothing to hide, there should be no attempt to avoid or block the proceedings.
She also noted reports that Duterte’s legal team intends to respond to the Senate impeachment summons, which requires her to file an official answer to the articles of impeachment.
The House prosecution panel held the press conference to outline how the 11-member team will divide work across the four articles of impeachment.
The charges include alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, failure to properly disclose assets in SALNs, alleged bribery during her time as Education Secretary, and supposed grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Under the breakdown, Articles I and II will be handled by nine prosecutors each. Luistro will lead the confidential funds case, while Manila Rep. Joel Chua will handle the bribery allegations under Article III. Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon will lead the SALN-related Article II case, while Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor will take charge of Article IV involving alleged grave threats and incitement to sedition.
The prosecution panel expressed confidence that once all evidence and witnesses are presented before the Senate impeachment court, they expect the case to stand on solid ground.
Speaking at a press briefing of the 11-member House prosecution panel, Luistro explained that impeachment carries two possible penalties upon conviction: removal from office and permanent disqualification from holding any government post.
Luistro clarified that her position reflects her personal legal view and not necessarily that of the entire prosecution team.
According to her, even if resignation makes the “removal from office” penalty irrelevant, the impeachment trial should still continue so the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, can determine whether perpetual disqualification should still be imposed.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno backed the position, calling it a valid legal interpretation raised by the prosecution’s chair.
Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima stressed that impeachment is also about due process, allowing the Vice President to formally respond to the allegations against her.
De Lima said Duterte should face the accusations directly, adding that if there is nothing to hide, there should be no attempt to avoid or block the proceedings.
She also noted reports that Duterte’s legal team intends to respond to the Senate impeachment summons, which requires her to file an official answer to the articles of impeachment.
The House prosecution panel held the press conference to outline how the 11-member team will divide work across the four articles of impeachment.
The charges include alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, failure to properly disclose assets in SALNs, alleged bribery during her time as Education Secretary, and supposed grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Under the breakdown, Articles I and II will be handled by nine prosecutors each. Luistro will lead the confidential funds case, while Manila Rep. Joel Chua will handle the bribery allegations under Article III. Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon will lead the SALN-related Article II case, while Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor will take charge of Article IV involving alleged grave threats and incitement to sedition.
The prosecution panel expressed confidence that once all evidence and witnesses are presented before the Senate impeachment court, they expect the case to stand on solid ground.
May 20, 2026
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