The House prosecution panel has appointed a private trial attorney to serve as its legal spokesperson for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During a press briefing on Monday, Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, who heads the House prosecution panel, announced that Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. will also be joining the lineup of private legal counsel assisting the team.
Luistro explained his dual responsibilities, noting:
“As legal spokesperson, he will be speaking on behalf of the prosecution team, particularly with respect to the developments that are happening in the proceedings of the impeachment trial. Tolosa is not only a legal spokesperson, soon he will be entering his appearance as well as one of the private prosecutors. He will be participating actively in the trial.”
Tolosa expressed that his decision to take on the position stems from the critical role impeachment plays in holding public servants accountable. Discussing his motivation, he stated:
“The impeachment is a pivotal constitutional proceeding. In fact, it’s one of the most important accountability mechanisms for public officials under the Constitution. As a trial lawyer, I found it to be a meaningful opportunity to place my experience in the service of that process.”
Tolosa added that his presence inside the courtroom will allow him to bridge the gap between the legal proceedings and the public, saying:
“The main purpose, I guess, for me is since I will be actively participating in the trial as well and I’ll be inside the courtroom if there are quick updates that I need to communicate to the public and answer questions that you may have, I’ll be available and provide that information to you.”
However, Tolosa clarified that Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong and Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Louise Co will continue to serve as the primary spokespersons for the broader prosecution panel.
A formidable group of private attorneys from various law firms has also been recruited to fortify the prosecution team.
The roster includes Lorna Kapunan, Sonya Margarita Benemerito-Castillo, Deanna Melissa Lorenzo-Singian, Lino Chris Kapunan, and Bettina Zamora from Kapunan and Castillo Law; Marforth Fua, Erwin Matib, Justine Anne Lamarca, and James Bryan Ibrahim Alih representing PECABAR Law; alongside Amando Virgil Ligutan from Sapayan Lim Alvarez Ligutan.