MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about possible alliances forming in the Senate impeachment court, amid growing speculation that some senators may be inclined to favor Vice President Sara Duterte in her upcoming trial.

In a press briefing, House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante emphasized that it would be inappropriate to question the motivations or impartiality of senators sitting as judges in the impeachment proceedings.

“I wouldn’t want to make any speculations. We expect and assume that the senator-judges, in all of their actions in these proceedings, are acting with impartiality,” Abante said.

She also stressed that the public is closely monitoring how the process unfolds.

“The Filipino people are watching us—what we are doing, how we act in the impeachment proceedings,” she said in Filipino.

The House has already completed its constitutional mandate by adopting and transmitting the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, who is facing trial over allegations of misuse of confidential funds and other constitutional violations.

Abante said the House is now turning its focus to broader national concerns, especially as the 20th Congress prepares to convene.

“We are also focusing on our other duties to bring a better way of life for Filipinos,” she said, reaffirming the House’s commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda through meaningful legislation.

The Senate, which will act as the impeachment court, has yet to formally commence the trial, prompting concerns over delays and calls from the House prosecution panel for the proceedings to move forward in accordance with the Constitution. (PNA)