MANILA — The House prosecution panel confirmed it will attend the formal convening of the Senate Impeachment Court on May 18, marking the official start of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio following the transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment by the House of Representatives.
Bicol Saro party-list’s Cong. Terry Ridon, one of the 11 House prosecutors, welcomed the announcement of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano that the impeachment court would formally convene at 3 p.m. on Monday.
“We thank Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano for announcing that the Senate Impeachment Court against Vice President Sara Duterte will finally convene on May 18, 2026, Monday, at 3 p.m.,” Ridon said.
Ridon said all members of the House prosecution team are expected to attend the opening of the impeachment court.
“The entire House Prosecution Panel will also be here on that day to witness the convening of the Senate Impeachment Court,” Ridon said.
The Senate’s move came two days after the House formally transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the upper chamber, officially elevating the politically charged case to the next constitutional stage.
House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said the transfer of impeachment records to the Senate was completed smoothly despite mounting political tensions.
“The transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate last night was completed successfully and in an orderly manner despite the many developments unfolding simultaneously,” Garafil said.
“Throughout the process, the House of Representatives remained focused on fulfilling its constitutional duty faithfully, professionally, and without disruption,” she added.
The House Secretariat prepared 27 printed copies of Committee Report No. 261 on House Resolution No. 989 containing the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, along with 27 flash drives containing electronic copies of the records.
“Every step was undertaken with utmost care because the integrity and accuracy of the submission are paramount,” Garafil said.
“Despite the heightened political atmosphere surrounding the proceedings, the House Secretariat remained guided solely by its constitutional mandate and institutional responsibilities,” she added.
Present during the formal turnover of documents were House Sergeant-at-Arms Ferdinand Melchor Dela Cruz, Atty. Marmoi Salonga, Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, and Senate Deputy Secretary for Legislation Atty. Marivic Laurel-Garcia.
Aside from Ridon, the House prosecution panel includes Representatives Joel Chua of Manila, Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal party-list, Gerville Luistro of Batangas, Chel Diokno of Akbayan party-list, Ysabel Maria Zamora of San Juan City, Lordan Suan of Cagayan de Oro City, Jonathan Keith Flores of Bukidnon, Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo, Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider party-list, and Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands./PN
