House prosecution panel members Representative Gerville Luistro and Party-list Representative Leila De Lima on Tuesday defended the upcoming impeachment trial, emphasizing that the proceedings are a strict constitutional mandate rather than a politically motivated move.
The statements were made during a press conference addressing growing concerns over public opposition to the trial, particularly from voters who supported the lawmakers now leading the prosecution.
Luistro clarified that the House of Representatives is legally bound to move forward with the process, leaving personal preferences aside.
“What you should remember is that this is a Constitutional duty. By duty, this is not our choice. This is obligatory on our part: to push for this proceeding. This is not a question of ‘Gusto ba namin, o ayaw namin?’ No. This is a duty, and therefore, we have no choice but to push forward,” Luistro said.
(This is not a question of ‘Do we want this, or do we not?’ No. This is a duty…)
Echoing the sentiment, De Lima stressed that the mandate originates directly from the highest law of the land and supersedes individual or partisan agendas.
“This duty is bigger than all of us. This duty is enshrined and mandated by no less than the Constitution, and actually imposed by the Filipino people. So this is bigger than any one of us, and this is bigger and far more primordial than any personal or political concerns,” De Lima stated.
To ensure an organized approach to the trial, Luistro also announced that the House prosecution panel has officially divided its members into specialized groups, with each team assigned to handle specific Articles of Impeachment.