Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro has appealed to the public for spiritual support ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that citizens deserve an improved republic and higher standards of leadership.
Luistro, serving as the lead prosecutor for the House panel, made the call during the “Mass for Truth, Justice, and Accountability” held at the Chapel of the Nativity of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City.
During the service, she urged the public to stand by the prosecution team as they navigate the upcoming legal proceedings.
“Join us as we pray for the conviction of the respondent in this impeachment trial,” said Luistro. “Please walk with us. Please join us. Please be with us until the conclusion of this impeachment trial.”
She noted that prayers should encompass all participants in the historic trial, including those on the opposing side and the lawmakers acting as judges.
“Let us pray even for the defense team. Let us pray even for the senator-judges. Let us pray for the entire Philippine nation,” Luistro added. “It is because we believe that Filipinos deserve better leaders. Filipinos deserve a better nation. Filipinos deserve a better republic.”
The mass, organized by the Clergy for Good Governance led by Fr. Robert Reyes, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, Bong Sarabia, and Joel Saballa, was celebrated by Fr. Bong Sarabia. Msgr. Mel David of Parañaque delivered the homily, with Fr. Niño Etulle, Fr. Choi Gliponeo, Fr. Raul “Puti” Enriquez, and Fr. Manoling Francisco concelebrating.
A number of key public and private prosecutors attended the event, including Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima, Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua, San Juan City Lone District Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora, Dinagat Islands Lone District Representative Kaka Bag-ao, as well as private lawyers Lorna Kapunan and Marforth Fua.
While acknowledging the challenges and limitations her team faces, Luistro expressed faith that collective prayers and patriotism would fill any gaps in their preparation.
“We acknowledge our limitations. We acknowledge our imperfections. We acknowledge all our insufficiencies. But let me tell you, my dear brothers and sisters, all your prayers overpower them. All your support overpower them. Ultimately, everybody’s love for the Philippine nation overpower kung ano man ang kulang sa mga prosecutors,” she said.
The Senate is scheduled to formally convene as an impeachment court on Monday, July 6, to begin the trial.