HOUSE of Representatives prosecutors are tapping private lawyers to bolster their case in the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, with both teams now on standby as proceedings move closer, the trial spokesperson said on Wednesday.
House trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong confirmed that private prosecutors have been engaged to assist the House panel, signaling an expanded legal team ahead of the high-stakes trial.
‘There are also private prosecutors… they’re very ready,’ Adiong said, though he declined to disclose their identities or law firms prior to the formal start of proceedings.
Adiong, who represents Lanao del Sur, stressed that both the House prosecution panel and its private legal partners are prepared to comply with the timeline set by the Senate, which has already convened as an Impeachment Court.
Based on the adopted schedule, the process will begin with the issuance of summons to Duterte, followed by the submission of her answer and other pleadings before the pre-trial and trial proper, which could start as early as June.
Adiong said the inclusion of private lawyers forms part of the prosecution’s preparation to ensure readiness once the Senate calls the case.
‘They want to remain compliant with the Senate. Anytime they are called, they are ready,’ he said, adding that the legal teams are already on standby.
The impeachment case against Duterte covers allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats, which the prosecution is expected to present before senator-judges.
Despite refusing to provide details about the private lawyers, Adiong emphasized their readiness to step in when needed. Adiong also reiterated that the impeachment trial should proceed under the Senate’s set process unless halted by a Supreme Court ruling, noting that the chamber has already received the Articles of Impeachment and adopted a trial timeline.
‘The ball has already rolled,’ he said, stressing that the Senate now carries the constitutional duty to try and decide the case.
He added that the public will be closely watching how the proceedings unfold, especially with the prosecution reinforcing its ranks through private legal support. Meanwhile, Adiong said the House prosecution panel is considering holding regular press briefings during the impeachment trial of Duterte to help the public better understand the proceedings and avoid confusion over legal issues raised before the Senate impeachment court.
Adiong said the prosecution team is preparing for the likelihood of long trial days, intense public scrutiny, and sustained media interest as the case moves forward.
He noted that while the exact format is still under discussion, he personally supports regular briefings, especially given the high public interest in what is considered one of the country’s most closely watched political and constitutional proceedings.
Adiong explained that regular briefings would help ensure accurate reporting and provide media partners the opportunity to raise questions that could lead to clearer and more comprehensive public understanding.
Uphold accountability
THE Bible Believers League for Morality and Democracy (Biblemode) International meanwhile called on the Senate to promptly begin the impeachment trial of Duterte, stressing the need to uphold constitutional accountability over political considerations.
The group said the House has already fulfilled its mandate after finding probable cause and approving the impeachment complaint by a vote well beyond the constitutional requirement.
The statement was transmitted through a May 19 letter to Speaker Faustino Dy III by Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., Biblemode president and one of the endorsers of the fourth impeachment complaint. Abante also serves as a Baptist Church bishop.
Biblemode officers and members from various Bible Baptist churches nationwide signed the statement, expressing unified
support for the immediate continuation of the impeachment process.
The House earlier voted 257-25-9 to impeach Duterte and transmitted the case to the Senate, which has since convened as an impeachment court.
Biblemode emphasized that the trial must be conducted impartially, based on evidence, applicable laws, and jurisprudence-free from political pressure or public opinion.
The group urged the Senate to act swiftly, invoking the principle that ‘justice delayed is justice denied.’