MANILA – The House prosecution panel and its private lawyers are prepared to comply with procedures set by the Senate impeachment court as the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte moves forward, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said Wednesday.

In a televised interview, Adiong, who serves as spokesperson for the House prosecution team, said the Senate has already adopted a timeline that both parties are expected to follow after convening as an impeachment court on Monday.

“Well, the Senate has already adopted and set the timeline. Unless, of course, there’s a massive change that might happen,” he said. “We don’t know. But based on the dates and the timeline that they have set, I’m pretty sure that both camps would abide by the summons, by the writ of summons.”

Under the process, summons will first be issued to Vice President Duterte, followed by the filing of answers, replies, and other preparatory steps before the start of the trial proper.

“And so, probably, around June, the actual trial will begin,” Adiong said.

He said the prosecution is confident that the case will be properly assessed once evidence is presented before the public and the Senate acting as an impeachment court.

“As soon as we present the evidence to the people and to the Senate itself, acting as an impeachment court, I’m positive for a favorable outcome,” he said.

The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations of confidential fund misuse, unexplained wealth, alleged bribery, and grave threats, which the prosecution is expected to present before senator-judges.

Adiong also said private prosecutors are part of the preparation, although he declined to name them prior to formal proceedings.

“I’m not specifically privy to the names of the, but there are also private prosecutors. They are ready, they are on standby,” he added.

He said the House prosecution panel is ready to follow the Senate impeachment court’s rules and present its case when directed.

Adiong also said the next stages of the proceedings will determine how evidence will be heard and evaluated.

Regular briefings eyed

In a separate radio interview, Adiong said the House prosecution panel is considering holding regular press briefings during the impeachment trial to help the public better understand the proceedings.

He said the idea is still being discussed but noted that the trial is expected to draw strong public attention and sustained media coverage.

“Para sa ganon ay mas madali para sa ating mga kaibigan sa media na mailahad ang mga dapat mailahad na information at magtanong na rin ng ating partners in the media ‘yung mga kinakailangan tanong para po magkaroon ng mas masusing diskusyon at mas clarified na information na maipapahatid po natin sa publiko,” he said.

Adiong said regular briefings would also help ensure clearer reporting and reduce conflicting interpretations of developments in the impeachment court proceedings.