Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Vivienne Gulla

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Congressmen designated as prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have started meeting to discuss the evidence for the seven articles of impeachment, which they will present before the Senate, once it sits as an impeachment court.They are eyeing to request subpoenas for the Duterte’s bank records, according to Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua.Article 4 in the impeachment complaint alleges that the Vice President “amassed unexplained wealth and failed to disclose all her properties” in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).“Ito naman po, talagang ginagawa naman po, hindi lang sa impeachment, maski sa regular court. Kasi ang impeachment po, isa lang sa mga exception sa bank secrecy law,” Chua explained. The division of labor regarding the articles of impeachment is expected to be discussed in the next meeting, expected this week. But some impeachment prosecutors already have their preference.“I am more confident about the 2nd article of impeachment, that is the confidential funds of VP Duterte,” Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro said.“Doon sa article 2 at article 3, ito ‘yung dumaan na sa komite ko, kaya dito tayo medyo pamilyar,” Chua added.He was referring to the articles alleging misuse of confidential funds in the offices led by Duterte, and her alleged involvement in the distribution of monetary gifts to Department of Education officials holding procurement-related functions.The Vice President had previously denied misuse of public funds. Last Friday, she also denied making an assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.But impeachment prosecutors said several people heard Duterte’s statements in a zoom press conference last November. In the online conference, the Vice President had claimed she contacted an assassin to kill the President, the First Lady and the House Speaker if the alleged plot against her succeeds.“Kahit na anong denial niya, itong video ang magpapasabi at magpapatunay ng kanyang mga sinabi,” Chua said.As of Monday, there are no discussions yet on whether the lower House will bring to the Supreme Court the issue on the impeachment trial schedule, which may begin after the President’s State of the Nation Address in July. “Definitely, I will be raising that sa ating mga kasamang prosecutors to check or to look into the possible options kung paano makakaproceed ang impeachment trial. But we will see after our next meeting kung ano ang magiging position ng prosecution team,” Luistro said.But some congressmen expressed hopes the Senate will act on the complaint “forthwith”, as the Constitution mandates.“Hindi naman sa minamadali namin sila, pero ito kasi ang nakasaad sa ating Saligang Batas. Ginamit ng ating Konstitutsyon ang mga salitang “shall” at saka “forthwith”. ‘Yung shall, ibig sabihin niyan mandatory, at ‘yung forthwith, ibig sabihin po niyan immediately. Pero syempre rerespetuhin natin kung ano ang kanilang opinion dito,” Chua said.Last week, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and at least two prosecutors said they will leave to the Senate’s discretion the matter of the impeachment trial schedule.Meantime, if the Vice President resigns, Chua said the Senate impeachment court should still resolve the lower chamber’s prayer for her perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Congressmen designated as prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have started meeting to discuss the evidence for the seven articles of impeachment, which they will present before the Senate, once it sits as an impeachment court.

Congressmen designated as prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have started meeting to discuss the evidence for the seven articles of impeachment, which they will present before the Senate, once it sits as an impeachment court.

House prosecutors to begin preparations for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

House prosecutors to begin preparations for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

Vivienne Gulla,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 10, 2025 07:44 PM PHT

Read More:

House of Representatives

impeachment

Vice President Sara Duterte

ABSNews

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.