Prosecution forms teams for VP impeach trial

MANILA, Philippines — The 11 members of the House of Representatives prosecution team in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have each been given specific articles to handle, with justice committee chairperson Rep. Gerville Luistro taking charge of the issue of confidential funds or Article 1.

Luistro said Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon will lead in the prosecution of Article II on unexplained wealth while Manila Rep. Joel Chua will handle Article III on bribery and Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor on death threats on President Marcos or Article IV.

Luistro named Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co and House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur as the House trial spokespersons.

While Luistro commended the action of the Senate in convening the impeachment court on Monday, she stressed that “what is mandated to be forthwith is not only the convening but also the trial.”

“We therefore look forward that after the pre-trial, we will immediately proceed to the presentation of witnesses and evidence, and consequently to the judgment,” she said, as she assured the public that the prosecution team is ready for the start of the trial. — Delon Porcalla, Mark Ernest Villeza