The House prosecution panel opened the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte by asserting that the case is anchored on documentary and official evidence, not political narratives or speculation.

In her opening statement before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, Lead House Prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro emphasized that the proceedings are about upholding constitutional accountability and protecting public trust, rather than targeting political opponents.

Luistro said the Constitution grants the House of Representatives the power to impeach and the Senate the duty to judge in order to safeguard the Republic when public trust is violated.

“May saysay pa ba ang pananagutan sa ating bansa? Sapagkat ang kasong ito ay higit at lampas sa sinumang opisyal. Higit at lampas sa anumang partido. Higit at lampas sa alinmang administrasyon,” Luistro said.

She stressed that the prosecution's case would rely solely on evidence required under the Constitution.

“Your Honors, the prosecution will present exactly what the Constitution requires. Evidence. Hindi chismis. Hindi haka-haka. Hindi propaganda at lalong hindi [social media] narrative. Evidence, official records, financial documents, government reports, video recording, statements under oath, independent findings of institutions created by law,” she said.

Luistro further underscored that the evidence to be presented consists of objective records rather than politically motivated claims.

“Mga dokumento na hindi bumoboto. Mga records na walang partido. Mga katotohanan na walang kulay pampolitika,” she added.

The prosecution's opening statement set the tone for the first day of Vice President Duterte's impeachment trial, as lawmakers began presenting the legal and factual basis for the Articles of Impeachment before the Senate impeachment court.