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Advocates Philippines
Trial Still On? House Prosecutor Says Sara Case Can Move Forward
Photo credit: Congress PH
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte can continue under the Senate's new leadership unless the Supreme Court steps in and issues a temporary restraining order (TRO), according to House lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro.
Speaking in a radio interview over DZMM, Luistro said the House prosecution panel remains focused on preparing for the trial despite the ongoing dispute over leadership in the Senate. She emphasized that while anyone can challenge developments before the Supreme Court, the impeachment process should continue unless the high court orders otherwise.
“Definitely anyone can go to the Supreme Court at ang petition nila, kagaya sa impeachment, puwede may prayer din for issuance of TRO. No one can stop that,” Luistro explained.
The issue comes amid questions over whether the Senate leadership controversy could delay or halt the impeachment proceedings against Duterte. For Luistro, the answer is clear: without a TRO, there is no legal barrier preventing the new Senate leadership from moving forward with the case.
“Pero hangga’t walang TRO na na-i-issue against the new leadership, I think they can proceed. First, may basis,” Luistro stated.
She noted that the leadership headed by Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian has already received recognition from both the House of Representatives and Malacañang, giving the prosecution panel grounds to continue working under the current setup.
“Second, recognized na sila ng House, as well as the Executive represented by Malacañang,” Luistro noted.
With key deadlines drawing near, Luistro stressed that preparations cannot be put on hold. Under the Senate timetable previously released to the public, prosecutors are expected to submit their pretrial briefs by June 15 and attend a pretrial conference on June 18.
“June 15, from the original timeline na nilabas nila sa media, June 15 is the deadline for filing of pretrial brief,” Luistro pointed out.
“June 18, we’re supposed to appear there for pretrial conference. So, it’s less than two weeks,” Luistro added.
The House formally impeached Duterte earlier this year after lawmakers endorsed articles of impeachment accusing her of alleged constitutional violations and misuse of confidential funds, among other allegations. The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is tasked with hearing the case and determining whether the Vice President should be convicted or acquitted.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Senate leadership dispute, Luistro said the prosecution panel remains confident that the proceedings will continue and that constitutional timelines should be respected.
“As lead prosecutor, dapat kampante lagi tayo. I mean, amid the apprehensions which are originating from all the irregularities and commotions that is happening in the Senate, we have a lot of reasons to stay positive and to continue believing that this will push through and hopefully without delay,” Luistro stressed.
For now, the House prosecution team is moving ahead with preparations while awaiting any potential action from the Supreme Court, which could ultimately determine whether the trial proceeds as scheduled.
Speaking in a radio interview over DZMM, Luistro said the House prosecution panel remains focused on preparing for the trial despite the ongoing dispute over leadership in the Senate. She emphasized that while anyone can challenge developments before the Supreme Court, the impeachment process should continue unless the high court orders otherwise.
“Definitely anyone can go to the Supreme Court at ang petition nila, kagaya sa impeachment, puwede may prayer din for issuance of TRO. No one can stop that,” Luistro explained.
The issue comes amid questions over whether the Senate leadership controversy could delay or halt the impeachment proceedings against Duterte. For Luistro, the answer is clear: without a TRO, there is no legal barrier preventing the new Senate leadership from moving forward with the case.
“Pero hangga’t walang TRO na na-i-issue against the new leadership, I think they can proceed. First, may basis,” Luistro stated.
She noted that the leadership headed by Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian has already received recognition from both the House of Representatives and Malacañang, giving the prosecution panel grounds to continue working under the current setup.
“Second, recognized na sila ng House, as well as the Executive represented by Malacañang,” Luistro noted.
With key deadlines drawing near, Luistro stressed that preparations cannot be put on hold. Under the Senate timetable previously released to the public, prosecutors are expected to submit their pretrial briefs by June 15 and attend a pretrial conference on June 18.
“June 15, from the original timeline na nilabas nila sa media, June 15 is the deadline for filing of pretrial brief,” Luistro pointed out.
“June 18, we’re supposed to appear there for pretrial conference. So, it’s less than two weeks,” Luistro added.
The House formally impeached Duterte earlier this year after lawmakers endorsed articles of impeachment accusing her of alleged constitutional violations and misuse of confidential funds, among other allegations. The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is tasked with hearing the case and determining whether the Vice President should be convicted or acquitted.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Senate leadership dispute, Luistro said the prosecution panel remains confident that the proceedings will continue and that constitutional timelines should be respected.
“As lead prosecutor, dapat kampante lagi tayo. I mean, amid the apprehensions which are originating from all the irregularities and commotions that is happening in the Senate, we have a lot of reasons to stay positive and to continue believing that this will push through and hopefully without delay,” Luistro stressed.
For now, the House prosecution team is moving ahead with preparations while awaiting any potential action from the Supreme Court, which could ultimately determine whether the trial proceeds as scheduled.
Jun 5, 2026
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