Manila 6th District Representative Benny Abante on Monday called on supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte, particularly those from her stronghold in Mindanao, to independently evaluate whether the prosecution panel is upholding its constitutional mandate.
Abante made the appeal during a press forum as the Senate impeachment trial against Duterte entered its third month.
The 26-member prosecution team, assembled by the House of Representatives using both public and private attorneys, has faced growing criticism and online harassment from allies of the Vice President.
“Ang pakiusap lamang po namin sa taong bayan ay makinig at manood po sila at sila na ang manghusga on their own kung talagang ginagawa ng prosecution team ang kanilang tungkulin ayon sa Konstitusyon, ayon sa batas,” Abante stated.
The lawmaker, who endorsed the initial impeachment complaint, emphasized that the prosecution’s function is strictly limited to presenting charges and supporting proof rather than determining the final verdict.
“We cannot make the judgment now. Ang gagawin lamang ng prosecution team ay ilahad sa taong bayan lahat ng mga ebidensya,” he explained.
He pointed out that Duterte’s legal defense will receive full opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, dispute evidence, and present counterarguments before the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, issues its final judgment.
Addressing supporters from Mindanao and Davao City—where Duterte previously served as mayor and vice mayor—Abante assured that the proceedings would rely solely on facts.
“Makakaasa po ang taong bayan, kayo man ay sumusuporta sa Vice President o hindi, na maririnig po ninyo rito ay mga ebidensya na inilahad ng prosecution team,” Abante assured.
By encouraging direct public monitoring of the proceedings, Abante expressed hope that citizens would assess the case through tangible evidence rather than political bias.
“I hope that ang mga taong bayan po ang makikita nila ang mga ebidensya tungkol dito, and they will actually appreciate all the evidence presented. ‘Yun po ang nais natin,” he added.