The House of Representatives officially formed its legal team on Tuesday, electing an 11-member prosecution panel to represent the chamber in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The move followed a motion by Las Piñas Representative Mark Anthony Santos during the plenary session, which was presided over by Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel Biron. The motion was approved without objection, signaling the House’s readiness to proceed with the high-stakes trial.
The prosecution team features a mix of veteran lawmakers and human rights advocates, including:
- Rep. Gerville Luistro (Batangas, 2nd District) – Chairperson
- Rep. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list)
- Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list)
- Rep. Bel Zamora (San Juan)
- Rep. Lorenz Defensor (Iloilo, 3rd District)
- Rep. Chel Diokno (Akbayan Party-list)
- Rep. Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Party-list)
- Rep. Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands)
- Rep. Keith Flores (Bukidnon, 2nd District)
- Rep. Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro, 1st District)
- Rep. Joel Chua (Manila, 3rd District)
The selection of the panel comes just 24 hours after the House voted overwhelmingly to impeach the Vice President.
With the articles of impeachment now formally transmitted to the Senate, these 11 lawmakers will be tasked with arguing the case for her removal before the upper chamber.