Rep. Luistro on Sara Duterte impeachment: Prosecutors ‘co-equal’
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Atty. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro
MANILA, Philippines — Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro on Monday said all the House lawmakers who would serve as prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte are “co-equal.”
In an online press briefing, Luistro was asked who would be the lead prosecutor in the impeachment trial.
“I wish to believe that all of us are co-equal prosecutors. All of us will help each other. We will be contributing and representing the House of Representatives as a prosecution team faithfully representing the House of Representatives,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.
“As to the clear designation of appointment or understanding, it is my humble submission that all of us are co-equal prosecutors,” she added.
Luistro also said the seven articles of impeachment against Duterte would be divided among each prosecutor.
Article continues after this advertisement“[So] every prosecutor can focus [on] the grounds which [are] being raised in the articles of impeachment. Perhaps [at] our next meeting, we will be able to come up with our respective assignments,” she said.
Article continues after this advertisementAsked which article she wants to focus on, Luistro said she’s more confident in handling the second article which is about the alleged misuse of the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education when the agency was under Duterte’s leadership.
READ: Sara Duterte impeached; House gets 215 to sign
Last Wednesday, February 5, the House of Representatives confirmed that 215 lawmakers signed the fourth impeachment complaint against Duterte.
READ: VP Sara Duterte impeachment complaint reaches Senate
The House has named the following lawmakers to serve as prosecutors in the historic impeachment trial against the country’s second top leader:
- Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro
- Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop
- 1-Rider party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez
- Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua
- Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon
- General Santos Lone District Rep. Loreto Acharon
- 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan
- Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan
- Taguig Rep. Rep. Isabel Maria Zamora
- Iloilo 3rd District. Rep. Lawrence Defensor
- Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores
Last December, three impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte.
The complaints alleged that she misused millions of pesos in confidential funds and “tried to cover up” how the money was spent when pressed to explain.
