Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines

House impeachment prosecutors urged the public to rely on evidence presented in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial instead of misleading information and distorted claims circulating online.

During a press conference at the House of Representatives on Thursday, House prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua said the prosecution would continue explaining the proceedings in a way that ordinary Filipinos can easily understand, allowing the public to compare social media claims with actual testimonies and documents presented before the Senate impeachment court.

“Kami sa prosecution, iyong katotohanan lang ang gusto namin,” Chua said.

Chua said the public would be able to hear both documentary and testimonial evidence as witnesses go through direct examination by the prosecution, cross-examination by the defense, and questions from senator-judges.

He cited Ramil Madriaga as one of the witnesses whose previous statements may be examined through cross-examination once the prosecution presents the related article of impeachment, saying the process allows claims to be tested in court rather than debated through social media.

“Kaya hinihikayat natin ang ating mga kababayan na subaybayan ang impeachment trial nang sa ganoon ay hindi sila mapepeke,” Chua said.

The prosecution is expected to finish presenting evidence for Article IV, which involves allegations that Vice President Duterte threatened President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. The trial will then move to the article concerning the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

Private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan also emphasized the public’s right to receive accurate information about the impeachment proceedings.

“Karapatan po nating lahat na mga mamamayan. Mayroon tayong right to information,” Kapunan said. “Information po iyan. Huwag disinformation, huwag wrong information,” she added.

Kapunan encouraged Filipinos to assess the credibility, substance, and strength of the evidence instead of relying on the number of online posts, reactions, or supporters on either side.

“Let us learn to discern. Tingnan natin, sino ba ang nagsasabi ng totoo dito? Ano ba iyong ebidensya, iyong bigat ng ebidensya?” she said.

She added that increased online activity does not necessarily reflect public opinion, saying social media discussions should not replace the examination of facts and evidence.

Kapunan also called on legitimate news organizations to continue providing accurate reports and help address misleading information that could affect public trust.

She stressed that the impeachment proceedings should not be reduced to online battles or popularity contests, saying: “Accountability po ang pinag-uusapan.”