Manila: The House of Representatives on Wednesday issued a warning against making premature conclusions about potential alliances within the Senate's impeachment court, amidst rising speculation that some senators might be leaning towards favoring Vice President Sara Duterte's defense.

According to Philippines News Agency, House spokesperson, lawyer Princess Abante, emphasized during a press briefing that it would be inappropriate to speculate on the motivations or leanings of the senators who are serving as judges in Duterte's impeachment trial. "I wouldn't want to make any speculations. We expect and assume that the senator-judges, in all of their actions in these proceedings, are acting with impartiality," Abante stated.

She highlighted that the public is paying close attention to the impeachment process as it unfolds. "The Filipino people are watching us - what we are doing, how we act in the impeachment proceedings," she expressed in Filipino.

Abante further noted that the House has already fulfilled its constitutional obligation by initiating and transmitting the Articles of Impeachment and is now focused on broader national priorities as the 20th Congress prepares to convene. "We are also focusing on our other duties to bring a better way of life for Filipinos," she said, reiterating the House's commitment to pass meaningful legislation aligned with the 'Bagong Pilipinas' agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Vice President Duterte is facing an impeachment trial over allegations of misusing confidential funds and other constitutional violations. The House adopted the Articles of Impeachment earlier this year in a landmark vote.

The Senate, acting as the impeachment court, has not yet formally commenced the trial, which has led to concerns about delays and raised questions regarding impartiality. The House prosecution panel has consistently expressed its readiness to present its case and has urged the Senate to allow the process to proceed "forthwith," in accordance with the Constitution.