The House prosecution panel is considering regular press briefings during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to help the public understand the proceedings and prevent confusion over legal issues raised before the Senate impeachment court.
According to House impeachment trial spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, the prosecution team is preparing for possible long trial days, close public attention and constant questions from the media and citizens following the case.
“Tayo naman po ay naka-ready na tayo. Alam na po natin baka konti na lang ‘yung tulog natin ‘pag nagkataon po na mag-umpisa na po ang trial (We are ready. We know that we might only get a little sleep when the trial starts),” he said in an interview over DZMM.
Adiong said the exact format is still being discussed, but he personally believes that regular briefings would be useful, especially because the impeachment trial is already one of the most closely watched political and constitutional events in the country.
The Mindanaoan House leader said formal briefings would also help reporters obtain clearer information from the prosecution side while avoiding multiple interpretations of what happened in the impeachment court.
“So, isa po ‘yan sa pinag-usapan ng (that is being discussed by the) prosecution team whether or not there will be a press briefing by the House trial prosecution. Pero ako, naniniwala po ako na kailangan po ‘yan (But I believe it is necessary),” Adiong said.
He said the Filipino people have followed the impeachment case closely, making regular updates more necessary as the Senate begins to act on the Articles of Impeachment.
Adiong said the Senate convening as an impeachment court marked an important step and strengthened expectations that the process would move forward.
He was recently designated as spokesperson for the prosecution team alongside Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co amid ongoing preparations for the upcoming impeachment trial of the vice president.
