Sara impeachment trial begins today

The Senate formally convenes as an impeachment court today, marking the start of the historic impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations that include betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

As the proceedings get underway, the House prosecution panel appealed to Filipinos to pray for truth, justice and accountability throughout the trial.

Lead prosecutor and House Committee on Justice Chair Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro made the call during a Mass for Truth, Justice and Accountability held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City, on the eve of the trial.

“Join us as we pray for the conviction of the respondent in this impeachment trial,” Luistro said as she thanked members of the clergy and Catholic faithful for their support.

She urged the public to stand with the House prosecution panel until the conclusion of the proceedings before the Senate impeachment court.

“Please walk with us. Please join us. Please be with us until the conclusion of this impeachment trial,” she said.

Luistro also acknowledged the prosecution panel’s limitations but said the prayers and support of Filipinos would help sustain them throughout the historic proceedings.

She likewise appealed for prayers not only for the prosecutors but also for the defense panel, the senator-judges and the nation.

“We believe that Filipinos deserve better leaders. Filipinos deserve a better nation. Filipinos deserve a better republic,” she said.

Among those who attended the Mass were House prosecutors Representatives Leila de Lima, Lorenz Defensor, Joel Chua, Ysabel Maria Zamora and Kaka Bag-ao, along with private prosecutors Lorna Kapunan and Marforth Fua.

During the Mass, Msgr. Mel David described the impeachment trial as a defining moment for the country, saying the proceedings present an opportunity for Filipinos to confront the truth and seek accountability. He urged the prosecution panel to draw strength from faith and conscience as they carry out their mandate.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on May 11 after 257 lawmakers endorsed a verified complaint accusing her of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds during her tenure as vice president and education secretary, amassing unexplained wealth, bribing Department of Education personnel, and publicly threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

The impeachment trial is expected to determine whether Duterte will remain in office or be removed following the Senate’s judgment.