Manila: House Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro Party-list on Thursday welcomed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano's announcement that the Senate will formally convene as an impeachment court on May 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ridon is among the 11 lawmakers formally elected by the House of Representatives as members of the prosecution panel that will present the articles of impeachment and evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Senate. Ridon expressed gratitude for Cayetano's announcement, stating that the House Prosecution Panel is thankful for the Senate's readiness to convene the impeachment court against Duterte.

The House Prosecution Panel is committed to being present for the convening of the Senate Impeachment Court, emphasizing their dedication to witness the proceedings. Under the Constitution, the Senate is required to convene as an impeachment court once the House transmits the articles of impeachment.

The House of Representatives formally transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday night, following a decisive vote where 257 lawmakers supported the impeachment of Duterte, with 25 opposing and nine abstaining. The 11-member prosecution team includes lawyer-lawmakers, experienced litigators, former prosecutors, and senior House leaders from both majority and minority blocs.

In addition to Ridon, the panel comprises Reps. Joel Chua (Manila 3rd District), Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Party-list), Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro (Batangas 2nd District), Chel Diokno (Akbayan Party-list), Ysabel Maria Zamora (San Juan City), Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro City 1st District), Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon 2nd District), Lorenz Defensor (Iloilo 3rd District), Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list), and Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands).

House leaders earlier highlighted the prosecution team as a panel assembled to uphold the Constitution and present the impeachment case with professionalism and respect for due process. The Articles of Impeachment against Duterte include charges of alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery involving DepEd officials, and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.