MANILA — The House prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will appear before acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian in case separate notices are issued by competing Senate leadership claims, Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro said Friday.

Luistro said the prosecution team will align with the Senate leadership recognized by the House of Representatives, stressing that it cannot take a position independent from the chamber’s institutional decision.

“With all due respect, we need to follow the direction of the institution, which we represent. The House of Representatives already recognized the leadership of acting SP Win Gatchalian,” she said in a radio interview.

The issue arose amid an ongoing Senate leadership dispute, which has created uncertainty over where pleadings should be filed and which authority should preside over impeachment proceedings if two rival camps assert jurisdiction.

“So, to your question, just to respond, in case dalawa (there are two) notices for trial, we will be appearing before the leadership of acting SP Win Gatchalian,” Luistro said.

She noted that the House had already acted in line with its recognition of the new Senate leadership when it approved a concurrent resolution to adjourn sine die, which she said was likewise acknowledged by Gatchalian’s camp.

“With all due respect to the former leadership, but the House of Representatives already recognized the new leadership. When we approved our concurrent resolution to adjourn sine die, the concurrent resolution was likewise approved by the new leadership,” she said.

Luistro emphasized that the 11-member prosecution panel is representing the House as an institution and must therefore adhere to its official position.

On the role of Gatchalian, Luistro expressed confidence in his capacity to preside over the impeachment court despite not being a lawyer.

“Naniniwala ako kay (I believe in) acting SP Win Gatchalian. He has been very diligent as far as his legislative works are concerned,” she said.

She also cited her observations of his work habits as evidence of his preparedness for the role.

“At nag-aaral ‘yan. Kasi nung bumibisita ako sa opisina niya, pati whiteboard niya punong-puno ng mga lecture (And he studies. When I visited his office, his whiteboard was full of lectures),” she added.

Luistro said Gatchalian is capable of studying impeachment procedures and fulfilling the responsibilities of a presiding officer.

She also noted that the Senate has already amended parts of its impeachment rules, giving it flexibility in designating a presiding officer except in cases involving the President.

According to her, this leaves two possible options: Gatchalian may preside after taking an oath as impeachment court head, or the Senate may elect another presiding officer.

“So, ang maliwanag, may option si acting SP Win (So, it’s clear, he has an option). He can proceed to presiding over the impeachment court after he takes an oath. And the second option is the Senate can actually designate or elect a presiding officer to preside in the impeachment trial,” Luistro said.