House prosecutors have enlisted the first batch of private lawyers who will assist in the impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, Batangas Rep. Gerville R. Luistro said on Thursday, with more volunteers expected to join in succeeding batches. Speaking at a press conference, Ms. Luistro said that the House of Representatives sought the assistance of private legal practitioners to strengthen its prosecution team, as reported by BusinessWorld.
The recruitment of private lawyers is seen as a move to ensure the House has sufficient legal expertise to handle the complexities of the impeachment trial, which is set to begin in the Senate. The first batch includes lawyers with experience in constitutional law and criminal procedure, according to Luistro. The House prosecution panel has been preparing for the trial since the impeachment complaint was transmitted to the Senate.
The vice-president faces charges of betrayal of public trust and plunder, among others, stemming from her alleged misuse of confidential funds and other irregularities. The trial is expected to be politically charged, given Duterte-Carpio’s position as the second-highest official in the country and her ties to the previous administration. The House prosecutors and private lawyers are expected to present evidence and arguments in the coming weeks.