The House prosecution panel has formally petitioned the Senate impeachment court to integrate short, scheduled breaks into the trial, pointing to the intense mental and physical exhaustion experienced by the team during marathon sessions.
The request follows a wave of online mockery, where netizens circulated derogatory memes attacking lead prosecutor and Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro, along with private lawyer Atty. Amando Ligutan, over their appearance during prolonged hearings.
Manila Representative Joel Chua, a member of the prosecution team, highlighted the immense pressure of the trial, noting that hours of standing, speaking, and intense cross-examination have taken a toll on the lawyers.
“Siyempre lahat naman po kami tao rin at nandoon din yung stress, nandoon din po yung tension,” Chua stated.
Chua also revealed that during the first three days of the trial, participants were prohibited from bringing bottled water into the Senate plenary hall, which worsened the physical strain on those presenting.
“Magsasalita ka dun, tuyung-tuyo na yung bibig mo. Siyempre, nandoon din yung tension, nandoon din yung stress. Hindi rin naman po ganoon kadali,” he added.
The lawmaker thanked Senator Pia Cayetano for successfully pushing to lift the water ban, a policy adjustment that will be implemented when the impeachment court resumes next week.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin appealed for public civility, urging netizens to focus strictly on the merits of the evidence rather than launching personal look-based attacks against the prosecution.