House prosecution member and Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua on Wednesday, June 18 called on senators, especially those allied with Vice President Sara Duterte, to uphold their oath of impartiality as senator-judges in the looming impeachment trial.
In an interview with DZRH Dos Por Dos, Chua emphasized that ‘political neutrality’ is a constitutional duty, warning that public trust in the Senate hinges on its ability to act independently and fairly.
“Nakalagay ang ‘political neutrality’ sa sinumpaan ng senado at iyon ang ineexpect ko sa kanila,” he said.
He reminded the Senate Impeachment court that their role is not to defend allies but to serve as impartial judges, bound by their sworn duty to the Constitution.
“Sila ay nanumpa, manunumpa sila at doon sa kanilang sinumpaan bilang senator-judges nakalagay din po doon na dapat sila ay magiging impartial,” Chua added.
“Ang taumbayan po ay hindi bulag,” he said, stressing that the impeachment process is a matter of public interest and transparency.
Despite delays caused by the Senate’s remand of the articles of impeachment, Chua reaffirmed the prosecution panel’s readiness and confidence in their case.
“Naniniwala kami sa bigat ng aming ebidensya, ang sa amin ay mabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na mailatag ito ng sa gayon ay mapatunayan namin punto per punto kada article,” Chua stated.
He noted that although the Senate voted to remand the articles of impeachment back to the House for further certification, House prosecutors are studying all legal options and will likely submit motions or manifestations in the coming days.
He further confirmed that the impeachment case against Duterte remains “very much alive,” despite recent setbacks in the Senate.
The case against Duterte stems from accusations of irregularities in the use of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds in 2022, and from alleged threats she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Chua pointed out that on the last day of the 19th Congress, the House passed a resolution certifying that the complaint was constitutional and aligned with House rules.
He questioned the Senate’s decision to remand the articles back to the House, noting that during the 2011 impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, then-Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile ruled that the Senate assumes jurisdiction once the articles are transmitted.
“Kaya nga kami nagtataka kung ano itong remand o pagbabalik po ng ibinigay sa amin,” he pointed out.
The Senate impeachment court issued a writ of summons to the Vice President on June 11, giving her 10 days to reply for her official answer to the articles of impeachment.
However, that same day, the Senate controversially voted to remand the articles of impeachment to the House for further certification, drawing criticism from legal experts and members of the academe.
Meanwhile, Duterte has a total of 16 lawyers that will defend her in the impeachment trial, according to a document submitted to the Senate impeachment court
Following are Sara Duterte’s 16 defense lawyers for impeachment trial:
- Philip Sigfried Fortun
- Gregorio Narvasa
- Sheila Sison
- Carlo Joaquin Narvasa
- Roberto Batungbacal
- Justin Nicol Gular
- Lindon Miguel Bacquel
- David Ronell Golla VII
- Maria Selena Golda Fortun
- Claraine Radoc
- Francesca Marie Flores
- Miguel Carlos Fernandez
- Michael Wesley Poa
- Reynold Munsayac
- Mark Vinluan
- Ralph Bodota
While Chua acknowledged the strength of the defense’s legal lineup, he maintained his confidence in the prosecution’s case.
The case stemmed from allegations involving the irregular use of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds in 2022, as well as Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
On February 5, the House impeached the Vice President and transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, endorsed by 215 members of the lower chamber.
