MANILA — Members of the House prosecution panel have issued an apology following public backlash over a lighthearted photo taken inside the Senate session hall, which currently serves as the impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua clarified that the lawmakers had no intention of undermining the dignity of the tribunal when the photo was snapped following Tuesday’s proceedings on October 13.
He explained that the picture simply captured the lawmakers’ collective exhaustion and subsequent relief after navigating difficult legal hurdles during the trial.
“Wala naman po kaming intensyon na bastusin ang ating Impeachment Court, ito po ay iginagalang namin ang Senado,” Chua stated.
“Nagkataon po na siguro ng mga panahon na ‘yun ay medyo nakaramdamn lang po ng sigh of relief yung ating mga kasama kaya po nagkaroon po ng ganung reaksyon,” he added.
The snapshot quickly circulated online, sparking criticism from netizens who questioned the propriety of the prosecutors posing playfully inside the solemn venue of the impeachment court.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro had previously stepped forward to offer apologies, explaining that the panel members were simply overcome by excitement after presenting their final witness.
Luistro also noted that the team stood ready to provide an official explanation if formally required by the Senate leadership.
Meanwhile, Senate President Win Gatchalian formally accepted the apology offered by the prosecution team, though he announced that a formal warning would still be issued over the incident. Gatchalian has likewise directed an inquiry to clarify the circumstances behind the photograph, including verifying its authenticity.
The controversy unfolded as the impeachment trial entered a temporary three-week adjournment. The pause came after the prosecution team rested its case by presenting its final witness and deciding to drop three out of the four original articles of impeachment, which previously covered alleged bribery, grave threats, and the misuse of confidential funds.
With those charges set aside, the panel moved forward by focusing exclusively on Article II, which centers on accusations of unexplained wealth.