DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 May 2026) — The House of Representatives elected an 11-member prosecution team for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte before the Senate. The team was selected a day after the House impeached Duterte, with 257 members voting in favor, 25 against, and nine abstaining. The prosecutors include Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville R. Luistro, Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Teddy Ridon, 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, San Juan City Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora, Iloilo Province 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) partylist Representative Leila de Lima, Lone Dinagat Island Representative Arlene J. Bag-ao, Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores, Cagayan de Oro 1st District Representative Jordan Suan, and Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua. The Senate must proceed to trial “forthwith,” but the Supreme Court clarified that the term means within a reasonable time, allowing the Senate to prepare. Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga voted “no” on impeachment, describing Duterte as the nation’s most vocal anti-corruption figure. Kabataan Party-list representative Renee Co emphasized the need to hold Duterte accountable for corruption allegations, misdeclaration in her SALN, and threats to political opponents. Official records revealed undisclosed billions in her and her husband’s bank accounts. Dr. Jean Lindo of Gabriela Southern Mindanao stated that supporting impeachment is about justice and accountability, not political persecution. Rauf Sissay of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao stressed the need for accountability regarding the misuse of government funds and urged public vigilance against corruption. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
