House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro apologized after photos showing members of the prosecution panel making wacky poses inside the Senate session hall circulated online during a recess in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Senate President Win Gatchalian criticized the act, saying the session hall must be treated with respect as it serves as a venue for crafting major laws and discussing important national issues.
Luistro said the group had no intention of disrespecting the Senate, explaining that the prosecution team was simply relieved to have a break following months of impeachment hearings.
“Medyo hindi lamang po napigilan ang kaligayahang naramdaman sapagkat na-excite doon sa three weeks na magiging break ng impeachment trial, as simple as that,” Luistro said.
“Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin on behalf of the prosecution panel.”
Gatchalian called out the prosecution panel, saying making wacky poses inside the session hall was inappropriate.
“Ang session hall at Senado ay sagrado ito dahil dito natin ginagawa marami sa mga mahahalaga nating batas, mga pinaguusapan nating mahahalagang issues. So dapat respetuhin natin itong institusyon na ito. Hindi naman tama na may ginagawa kang katawa-tawa sa loob ng ating institusyon,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian ordered the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to review CCTV footage and verify that the circulating photos were authentic, citing the prevalence of AI-generated and manipulated images. He said those involved would receive a warning if the images were confirmed.
The controversy came just days after Luistro and the House prosecution panel withdrew three of the four impeachment articles against Duterte, leaving only Article II for trial. The dropped articles covered confidential funds, bribery and alleged threats, narrowing the case after months of proceedings.
The impeachment trial is scheduled to resume Nov. 9, when the defense will begin presenting its evidence, with 25 days allotted for its case.
