Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said Tuesday he is willing to join the House prosecution team in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, if given the opportunity, as lawmakers await the formal formation of the panel.
In an interview on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos” program on Tuesday, Chua said the House of Representatives has yet to finalize its prosecution team, noting possible delays amid recent developments in the Senate.
“Dapat ngayon pero hindi ko alam kung matutuloy dahil nga nagkaroon ng kaguluhan pa sa Senado,” Chua said, adding that it remains uncertain whether the Senate leadership shake-up could affect proceedings.
Asked if he was included among early nominees for House prosecutors, Chua confirmed he had previously been part of a similar team during the 19th Congress and has received an invitation this time.
“Well kung bibigyan po tayo ng pagkakataon, bakit naman po hindi? Dahil ito po isang makasaysayan na pangyayari at malaking karangalan po ito sa aming distrito,” he said.
Chua, however, stressed that no final roster has been approved as the matter still awaits plenary confirmation. He added that House prosecutors typically work alongside private prosecutors in impeachment proceedings.
He cited possible names being considered for the prosecution panel, including members of the House justice committee and veteran lawmakers such as Reps. Chel Diokno, Leila de Lima, Terry Ridon, Lawrence Defensor, and Rodge Gutierrez, among others.
On concerns over a Senate leadership change coinciding with the impeachment vote, Chua admitted the timing raised apprehension among some lawmakers.
“Well yung timing, aaminin ko sa inyo, medyo nakaka-nerbyos din… Baka isipin nila na magiging exercise in futility itong ginagawa namin,” he said, adding that the 257–25–9 House vote showed strong support for the impeachment move.
Despite this, Chua expressed confidence after the vote, saying lawmakers did not waver in pursuing the complaint.
He also noted remarks from newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano that the leadership change had no connection to the impeachment proceedings, saying he respects the Senate’s commitment to constitutional processes.
