House Establishes Support Team for Impeachment Trial of VP Duterte

The House of Representatives has initiated the formation of a specialized support unit dedicated to aiding the prosecution team in the anticipated impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Although the Senate has yet to schedule the proceedings, preparations are underway. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco released Memorandum Order No. 19-006, appointing essential staff from various departments such as legal affairs and administration to the secretariat. Their responsibilities include legal research, records management, and providing IT and security support to the prosecution panel of 11 members. Velasco emphasized that this move is crucial for the smooth execution of the trial, marking the first impeachment of a Vice President in the Philippines. Manila Representative Joel Chua, head of the committee that discovered alleged fund misuse by Duterte, highlighted the significance of this development in showing the House’s readiness for the trial. Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero has outlined a tentative timeline, with the trial potentially commencing on June 3 after senators are sworn in as judges. However, Escudero clarified that the trial could only begin once Congress is back in session, as dictated by the Constitution. He responded to criticism by asserting that there is no intentional delay in the process. Ako Bicol Representative Raul Angelo Bongalon and other legal experts have urged an immediate start to the proceedings, arguing that impeachment trials should proceed without delay. Escudero countered by reminding that the impeachment complaint was only submitted to the Senate shortly before the legislative break, underscoring the procedural constraints faced by the Senate.