THE House prosecution panel is preparing potential witnesses for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua.
In a statement on Monday, Feb. 10, Chua detailed the 11-member prosecution panel’s ongoing preparations, which include reviewing existing evidence, securing additional documentary records, and coordinating with financial agencies for further investigation.
“We are fully focused on the preparations,” Chua said during a press conference, emphasizing that the congressional recess has not halted their work. “Prosecutors are reviewing evidence, gathering testimonies, and ensuring that we are ready once the Senate acts.”
Chua, who also chairs the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, expressed confidence in the strength of their case. “I believe the evidence is strong for conviction,” he stated.
Congress went on recess on Feb. 5, shortly after the House directly transmitted the impeachment complaint—endorsed by 215 lawmakers—to the Senate.
Many of the allegations outlined in the impeachment complaint stemmed from findings by Chua’s committee during last year’s hearings on the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
The 33-page complaint contains seven articles of impeachment covering six major accusations against Duterte: conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., malversation of P612.5 million in confidential funds, bribery and corruption in DepEd, unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets, involvement in extrajudicial killings linked to the Davao Death Squad, and destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder.