Pasay city: The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte will proceed through evidence and should not be reduced to politics or personalities. The Filipino people deserve a fair, orderly, and transparent process, with the impeachment court as the proper venue to test the facts, according to a press conference at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, House of Representatives trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur emphasized, "This is not about personalities or politics. This is about allowing our institutions to do their work. Our simple appeal is this: Let the trial begin. Let the evidence be presented and let both sides be heard." Adiong continued by stating that the current phase is about taking the first constitutional step toward establishing the truth, rather than making declarations or conclusions.
Fellow spokesperson Renee Co of the Kabataan party-list stressed that the trial is not a political show but a constitutional mechanism for accountability and due process. "Gutom na tayo sa pananagutan (We are already hungry for accountability). The public deserves to hear the evidence," she said, urging the public to follow the proceedings with an open mind and reject disinformation. Co added, "Listen to the evidence, reject disinformation and participate in conversations grounded on facts."
Legal spokesperson Jay Tolosa Jr. assured that prosecutors would approach the trial with respect for the constitution and the rule of law. "Our duty is clear: To present evidence in support of the Articles of Impeachment. We will do so professionally, fairly, and with fidelity to the constitutional process," Tolosa said. He asked the public to allow the process to unfold before the impeachment court, expressing trust that the court will hear the case with fairness and impartiality. "At the appropriate time, the evidence will speak for itself," he concluded.
The prosecution panel highlighted the importance of Duterte's presence at the trial, suggesting that her personal appearance would indicate she is taking the allegations seriously and is ready to answer them in the proper forum. "The clearest message that she can send is to appear before the court," Adiong stated. Co added that Duterte's absence would raise questions about her earlier claim of readiness to face the case. "Kung hindi po magpakita, ang hahanapin, nasaan na po ang readiness na sinabi po noon before at gustong makita at maiharap sa mamamayan para po sa proseso ng pananagutan (If she does not appear, where is the readiness that she claimed before that the people wanted to see and presented before the process of accountability)," Co said.
Adiong clarified that Duterte's attendance or absence will not change the prosecution's work. "This is a decision that ultimately falls on her and it's a decision that she will have to explain to the Filipino people as well," he said. "But for the prosecution, insofar as we are concerned, our singular focus here will not change." He assured that the prosecution would ensure solid evidence to back their allegations against her, regardless of her presence.
The prosecution team also addressed the topic of resignation, stating that it would not erase accountability or automatically end the impeachment proceedings. "The trial will continue. The trial must continue because the resignation does not automatically condone the acts committed," Adiong said. He stressed that the House has already impeached Duterte, and the next constitutional step "is for the Senate to try and decide."
Adiong explained that resignation is an option available to all public officers, either appointed or elected, but accountability should not be optional. Co reiterated that resignation would not resolve the four Articles of Impeachment, stating, "It only answers the question of occupation of office."
