HOUSE trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur has said the House prosecution team and its private lawyers are ready to comply with the Senate impeachment court’s process as the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte moves to the next stage.
Alonto Adiong, a House Assistant Majority Leader and chairman of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said the Senate had already adopted a timeline that both sides are expected to follow after the chamber convened as an impeachment court.
“Well, the Senate has already adopted and set the timeline. Unless, of course, there’s a massive or, you know, a very kumbaga changes that might happen,” Alonto Adiong said during a Bilyonaryo News Channel interview.
“We don’t know. But based on the dates and the timeline that they have set, I’m pretty sure that both camps would abide by the summons, by the writ of summons,” he added.
The process is expected to begin with the issuance of summons to Duterte, followed by the submission of answers, replies and other preparatory steps before trial proper.
“And so, yeah, probably around June and the trial begins, the actual trial will begin,” Adiong expressed.
Adiong said the prosecution remains confident that once the evidence is placed before the public and the Senate impeachment court, the case will be evaluated on the strength of the official records.
“As soon as we present the evidences to the people and to the Senate itself, acting as an impeachment court, I’m positive for a favorable outcome,” Adiong stated.
The House impeachment case against Duterte covers allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, alleged bribery and threats, all of which the prosecution is expected to present before senator-judges.
Adiong said private prosecutors are also part of the preparation, although he declined to identify them ahead of the formal proceedings.
“I’m not sure specifically, you know, I’m not specifically privy to the names of the, but there are also private prosecutors,” Adiong noted.
“Hindi ko lang masabi ‘yung mga eksakto na mga pangalan, ‘yung firm nila,” he added.
Asked if the private prosecutors were ready, Adiong answered clearly.
“Oh yeah, yeah, they’re very ready, yeah,” Adiong stressed.
The Lanao del Sur lawmaker said the prosecution side wants to remain compliant with the Senate impeachment court and prepared for any directive that may be issued as the trial calendar moves forward.
“Gusto nila maging compliant sa Senate. Anytime na puwede silang papuntahin,” Adiong stated.
Asked whether the prosecutors were already on standby in case they would be called, Adiong confirmed the preparation.
“They’re on standby,” Adiong added.
Adiong said the House prosecution panel is prepared to follow the process set by the impeachment court and to present its case when directed to do so.
The lawmaker said the next stages will determine how the evidence is heard and tested, but the prosecution is ready to proceed under the rules adopted by the Senate.
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