Manila: House Committee on Justice chairperson Gerville Luistro of Batangas stated Friday that the constitutional directive for the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial "forthwith" necessitates the presentation of evidence, not merely the assembly of the impeachment court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro emphasized in a radio interview that the Senate must move forward to trial and reach a decision of either conviction or acquittal, as the existing rules do not allow for dismissal, remand, or archiving of the impeachment case. "Ako talaga (Me), I'm giving my full faith to Senate President Alan Cayetano. Nakita naman natin, nag-convene naman sila (We saw that they really convened)," she noted.
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 18 following the House's 257-25-9 vote to transmit the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. "Nakita natin, nag-pronounce na sila ng (We also saw that they announced) initial dates of trial. So, I'm expressing my full faith and confidence sa leadership ng Senate na magtutuloy-tuloy na itong impeachment trial na ito (to the Senate leadership that this impeachment trial will proceed)," Luistro added.
Despite this, Luistro reminded the Senate that their responsibilities extend beyond mere ceremonial duties or the swearing-in of senator-judges. "Let us just do our constitutional duty. Let us remember that what is mandated to be forthwith is not just the convening of the court," she stated. "What is mandated to be forthwith is the trial. Trial forthwith, hindi naman sinabing (it didn't say) convening the court forthwith," she added.
Luistro asserted that a trial must involve the presentation of evidence before the impeachment court, dismissing potential procedural maneuvers that could halt the case without a full trial. "There should be no motion to dismiss. There should be no remand," she stressed. "There should be no archive because the rules do not provide for those. At sinasabi lang ng rules (And the rules only say), trial forthwith, which will lead to the decision of either conviction or acquittal. Maliwanag 'yan (That's clear)," Luistro further stated.
The case against Duterte includes allegations of confidential fund misuse, bribery, unexplained wealth, and threats against high officials. Duterte has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.
The House prosecution panel is preparing to present evidence before the Senate impeachment court, while Duterte's defense team is expected to respond within the timeframe established by the rules. Luistro emphasized that the prosecution's main concern is to effectively present the evidence on behalf of the Filipino people represented by the House panel. "For us public prosecutors, our concern really is mailatag namin ng maayos 'yung ebidensiya (to properly present the evidence) for the best interest of the Filipino people whom we represent," Luistro concluded.
