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Advocates Philippines
House Prosecutor Says Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Finally Moving Forward
Photo credit: Congress PH
A House prosecutor said on Friday that the long-delayed impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte now appears to be finally pushing ahead, following announcements that the Senate will convene as an impeachment court on May 18.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua welcomed the development, saying it signals that the constitutional process is now moving “forthwith,” as required under the 1987 Constitution.
The announcement came after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano reportedly set the convening of the impeachment court, raising expectations that the Senate will formally begin proceedings.
Chua said there now appears to be growing consensus within the Senate to finally proceed with the trial.
“There appears to be consensus among the new Senate majority that the impeachment trial should finally proceed. That is welcome news to us in the House Prosecution Team,” Chua said.
He stressed that the House prosecution is ready to present its case and allow the impeachment court to evaluate the evidence.
“We simply want a fair opportunity to present the Articles of Impeachment, prosecute the case, and allow the evidence to be appreciated by the Impeachment Court,” he added.
The House of Representatives earlier transmitted the Articles of Impeachment after a 257-25-9 vote, far exceeding the constitutional requirement to elevate the case to the Senate.
The complaint includes allegations of the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery accusations, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the Martin Romualdez.
Chua said the Senate’s expected move to convene as an impeachment court on May 18 gives confidence that the process will proceed without interruption, unlike earlier attempts that were delayed due to legal challenges before the Supreme Court.
“With the Senate expected to convene as an Impeachment Court on May 18, we are preparing accordingly and are ready to fulfill our constitutional duty as prosecutors,” he said.
He added that the Senate trial will give both sides the opportunity to fully present their evidence and arguments before the senator-judges.
Chua also noted that recent developments before the Supreme Court do not indicate any imminent intervention that could stop the proceedings.
“We also note that the Supreme Court has not been inclined to issue TROs in recent related matters. That gives us confidence that the constitutional process is being allowed to move forward,” he said.
The House prosecution team said it is now actively preparing motions, witnesses, and documentary evidence, as well as possible counter-arguments from the defense.
“We shall proceed one day at a time, one step at a time,” Chua said.
He added that the team is coordinating with private prosecutors and experts in constitutional law, auditing, financial forensics, corporate law, and finance as part of its preparation for the Senate trial.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua welcomed the development, saying it signals that the constitutional process is now moving “forthwith,” as required under the 1987 Constitution.
The announcement came after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano reportedly set the convening of the impeachment court, raising expectations that the Senate will formally begin proceedings.
Chua said there now appears to be growing consensus within the Senate to finally proceed with the trial.
“There appears to be consensus among the new Senate majority that the impeachment trial should finally proceed. That is welcome news to us in the House Prosecution Team,” Chua said.
He stressed that the House prosecution is ready to present its case and allow the impeachment court to evaluate the evidence.
“We simply want a fair opportunity to present the Articles of Impeachment, prosecute the case, and allow the evidence to be appreciated by the Impeachment Court,” he added.
The House of Representatives earlier transmitted the Articles of Impeachment after a 257-25-9 vote, far exceeding the constitutional requirement to elevate the case to the Senate.
The complaint includes allegations of the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery accusations, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the Martin Romualdez.
Chua said the Senate’s expected move to convene as an impeachment court on May 18 gives confidence that the process will proceed without interruption, unlike earlier attempts that were delayed due to legal challenges before the Supreme Court.
“With the Senate expected to convene as an Impeachment Court on May 18, we are preparing accordingly and are ready to fulfill our constitutional duty as prosecutors,” he said.
He added that the Senate trial will give both sides the opportunity to fully present their evidence and arguments before the senator-judges.
Chua also noted that recent developments before the Supreme Court do not indicate any imminent intervention that could stop the proceedings.
“We also note that the Supreme Court has not been inclined to issue TROs in recent related matters. That gives us confidence that the constitutional process is being allowed to move forward,” he said.
The House prosecution team said it is now actively preparing motions, witnesses, and documentary evidence, as well as possible counter-arguments from the defense.
“We shall proceed one day at a time, one step at a time,” Chua said.
He added that the team is coordinating with private prosecutors and experts in constitutional law, auditing, financial forensics, corporate law, and finance as part of its preparation for the Senate trial.
May 15, 2026
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