Manila: House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro of Batangas opened the prosecution's case in the Senate impeachment trial by saying public power belongs to the Filipino people, and those who receive it must answer to them. In her opening statement, Luistro emphasized the significance of the trial, highlighting its connection to public money, public trust, and the people's right to demand accountability from their leaders.
According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro stressed that the trial's core issue revolves around democratic accountability and is not a tool for political revenge. She pointed out that ordinary public servants are required to justify their use of funds and execution of public duties, and the same standard should apply to the highest officials in the government. "If a barangay treasurer must account for public funds, then so must the vice president," Luistro insisted.
Luistro further explained that impeachment serves as a constitutional safeguard for the Republic, not a means to punish political adversaries or settle scores. She invoked the Constitution's principle of popular sovereignty, asserting that "power belongs to the people." The case, she noted, questions whether accountability retains its significance when the official involved occupies one of the highest positions in government.
Luistro urged the Senate Impeachment Court to base its decision against Duterte on evidence, records, and witness testimony rather than politics, popularity, fear, or loyalty. She assured that the prosecution's case would be built on official records, financial documents, government reports, video recordings, sworn statements, and independent findings. "Evidence, not rumor, not speculation, not propaganda, and especially not social media narrative," Luistro emphasized.
She called on the senator-judges to focus on the evidence, listen to the witnesses, and examine the records, urging them to avoid being swayed by political pressure. Luistro concluded by stating that the prosecution is prepared to present evidence concerning confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and corruption, and threats against constitutional order.
