Manila: House prosecutors are set to appear before acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as stated by Batangas Representative Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro. This decision follows the issuance of separate notices by competing Senate leadership claims.
According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro emphasized that the House prosecution team cannot adopt a stance separate from the House of Representatives, which has already acknowledged the new Senate leadership following the approval of the concurrent resolution to adjourn sine die. She highlighted the necessity for the prosecution panel to adhere to the institutional direction of the House, which now recognizes the leadership of acting Senate President Win Gatchalian.
The ongoing Senate leadership dispute brings a practical challenge for the prosecution panel regarding where to file pleadings and appear if two rival camps assert authority over the impeachment proceedings. Luistro clarified that in the event of two trial notices, the House prosecution team would recognize the leadership of acting Senate President Gatchalian.
Luistro further explained that the House's recognition of the new Senate leadership is substantiated by the concurrent resolution's approval by the leadership under Gatchalian. The 11 prosecutors, she noted, are acting as representatives of the House, making it inappropriate for them to deviate from the chamber's established position.
In discussing Gatchalian's role as the presiding officer, Luistro praised his discipline and diligence in legislative matters, despite not being a lawyer. She expressed confidence in his ability to study the impeachment rules and preside over the court effectively. Luistro also highlighted the Senate's recent amendments to its impeachment rules, which allow flexibility in designating a presiding officer, except in presidential impeachment cases.
Luistro mentioned two potential options for Gatchalian: to preside over the impeachment court himself after taking the required oath or to allow the Senate to choose another presiding officer. This provides Gatchalian with the option to either lead the proceedings directly or facilitate a Senate decision to elect a different presiding officer for the trial.
