Manila: A dedicated workspace in the Senate for the prosecution team of the House of Representatives would improve efficiency in preparing for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a House leader said on Monday. Manila Rep. Joel Chua, a member of the House prosecution team and chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, emphasized the importance of having a workspace within the Senate building for legal research, documentation, and coordination throughout the impeachment process.
According to Philippines News Agency, Chua explained that the team is currently in the process of requesting a room to serve as their work area. This workspace is intended to facilitate continuous preparation and help the team familiarize themselves with the Senate environment. Chua stressed the role of the House secretariat in organizing and verifying documentary evidence, including financial records, to support the impeachment complaint.
Chua added that the work of the staff and the secretariat is to expedite their tasks. With the impeachment process now advancing, Chua assured that the prosecution team is preparing for the Senate trial and ensuring that all pieces of evidence are properly examined and presented.
The House prosecution panel is awaiting the Senate's decision on the workspace request. A formal request for a workspace within the Senate was made by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco in a letter dated March 5, 2025, addressed to Senate President Francis Escudero. The letter, written on behalf of the House Public Prosecution Panel, requested the assignment of a work and holding area for the Public Prosecutors and the House Secretariat Support Group (SSG) for the duration of the impeachment trial.
Velasco also requested an ocular inspection of the assigned room on March 11, 2025, to assess how it would be set up to ensure a comfortable and convenient working environment for the prosecution team. The letter was officially received by the Senate President's office on March 6. A copy of the letter was released to the media over the weekend.
