MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is considering tapping seasoned private litigators to bolster its prosecution team if the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte reaches the Senate for trial, according to Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro. The move is seen as necessary to match the defense’s expected lineup of litigation specialists.

Luistro, who chairs the House Committee on Justice, confirmed in a radio interview that she would recommend engaging private prosecutors to support lawmakers who will serve as public prosecutors. “So, I wish to confirm na kung matutuloy man tayo to be one of the panel of prosecutors, I will really recommend that we engage private prosecutors to help and aid the members of the House who will be joining the panel of prosecutors,” she said.

She explained that while many members of the House are lawyers, most are no longer updated on active litigation, unlike the defense team that will likely be composed of courtroom specialists. “As a matter of fact, itong mga kasama nating lawyers and even myself dito sa House of Representatives, hindi na kami updated about litigation. What will happen in the Senate is trial,” Luistro admitted.

Under impeachment rules, the House is required to elect 11 public prosecutors from its members in plenary. However, Luistro noted that the rules are silent on the participation of private lawyers, leaving the option open. “About the private prosecutor, the rule is silent. So, I guess it will depend on us and on the private lawyers who are willing to help the House of Representatives in the prosecution of this impeachment case,” she added.

The House Committee on Justice recently found probable cause to impeach Duterte, citing allegations of misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, amassing wealth beyond her declared income, and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. The committee is now preparing its report and articles of impeachment for plenary approval.

If one-third of House members vote in favor, the case will be transmitted to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court. Senate leaders have already begun preparations, with Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirming that the chamber is ready to receive the articles of impeachment and allocate funds for the trial.

Luistro clarified that she has not yet decided whether she will personally join the prosecution panel, saying her immediate focus is on finalizing the committee’s work and defending its findings before the plenary. “Hindi automatic ‘yan. It is by way of election of the Plenary that the members become prosecutors. As to whether or not I am willing to join the prosecution panel, hindi ko pa pinag-iisipan ‘yan,” she said.

The possible engagement of private litigators underscores the seriousness with which the House is preparing for a full-blown impeachment trial, signaling a high-stakes legal battle ahead if the case against Duterte reaches the Senate.