Manila: House Lead Prosecutor Gerville 'Jinky Bitics' Luistro of Batangas emphasized on Monday that the ongoing impeachment trial is a crucial examination of whether public office is indeed a public trust and if the law is applied equally to all, regardless of power or status. In her opening statement, Luistro highlighted how the Constitution regards public office as a duty borrowed from the people, not a possession of any official.

According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro articulated that the Constitution explicitly declares public office as a public trust. She stressed that power does not belong to any official. Luistro noted that future generations would assess the country's institutions based on their response to challenges of accountability. She portrayed the trial as a pivotal moment for enforcing public trust and ensuring that the laws apply uniformly to both the powerful and the powerless.

Luistro asserted that the prosecution is confident that the examination of witnesses, evaluation of documents, and assessment of evidence will lead to a call for accountability. She stated that the trust granted was breached, the power entrusted was misused, and the Constitution demands responsibility. Luistro concluded her statement by underscoring the importance of the welfare of the people as the highest legal principle, quoting "Salus populi suprema lex," which translates to "The welfare of the people is the supreme law."