NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Sara Impeachment Trial Gains Momentum As House Team Reorganizes, Pushes For Faster Proceedings
Photo credit: Atty. Gerville Luistro
The House prosecution panel is ramping up preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte while urging the Senate impeachment court to move the proceedings forward without delay.
During a press conference on Monday, lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro announced changes in the prosecution team, with Manila Rep. Joel Chua taking charge of the article on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores leading the article on alleged bribery.
Luistro said the panel is currently reviewing evidence, conducting workshops, and holding mock trials as it prepares for the proceedings.
She also stressed that any adjustment to the Senate's tentative trial schedule should result in an earlier start date, not a postponement.
“Let us remember that the mandate of the Constitution that is to be forthwith is not only with respect to the convening of the impeachment court. It says, ‘trial forthwith’,” Luistro said.
“In other words, by trial, we mean presentation of evidence, presentation of witnesses. If ever there will be changes to July 6, it should be earlier and not later,” she added.
While reports have suggested a June 15 pre-trial conference and a July 6 start of trial, Luistro said the prosecution panel has yet to receive any official notice from the Senate impeachment court.
Despite this, she expressed optimism that the process would continue now that the Senate has formally convened as an impeachment court.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery during her time as Education secretary, and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
During a press conference on Monday, lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro announced changes in the prosecution team, with Manila Rep. Joel Chua taking charge of the article on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores leading the article on alleged bribery.
Luistro said the panel is currently reviewing evidence, conducting workshops, and holding mock trials as it prepares for the proceedings.
She also stressed that any adjustment to the Senate's tentative trial schedule should result in an earlier start date, not a postponement.
“Let us remember that the mandate of the Constitution that is to be forthwith is not only with respect to the convening of the impeachment court. It says, ‘trial forthwith’,” Luistro said.
“In other words, by trial, we mean presentation of evidence, presentation of witnesses. If ever there will be changes to July 6, it should be earlier and not later,” she added.
While reports have suggested a June 15 pre-trial conference and a July 6 start of trial, Luistro said the prosecution panel has yet to receive any official notice from the Senate impeachment court.
Despite this, she expressed optimism that the process would continue now that the Senate has formally convened as an impeachment court.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery during her time as Education secretary, and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Jun 1, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
