The House of Representatives’ prosecution panel will recognize the leadership of acting Senate President Win Gatchalian in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, its lead prosecutor said.

House lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said the chamber has formally acknowledged Gatchalian’s designation as acting Senate president, signaling the panel’s readiness to coordinate with the Senate’s current leadership.

“The House of Representatives already recognized the new leadership,” Luistro said. “With all due respect to the former leadership, we will be appearing before the leadership of acting Senate President Win Gatchalian.”

Luistro added that if two notices for trial are issued, the prosecution panel would present itself before Gatchalian as head of the Senate, which will sit as the impeachment court.

Before Congress adjourned sine die, House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III expressed hope for smooth coordination with Gatchalian’s leadership, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence in the institution.

Dy also underscored the importance of maintaining mutual respect between the two chambers as they prepare for the high-profile proceedings.

As of Friday, Luistro said the House prosecution panel has yet to receive any formal communication from the Senate’s new leadership.

He added that the House is hoping the Senate can soon return to its “regular course of business and operation,” allowing both chambers to properly prepare for the start of the impeachment trial.