As Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial approaches, one of the House prosecutors emphasized that their focus remains on evidence — not on the rising popularity of pro-Duterte candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
Bukidnon Representative Jonathan Keith Flores, one of the 11 House prosecutors, said in a press briefing that they haven’t dwelled on the implications of recent surveys showing strong Senate poll numbers for allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“For now, we’re each concentrating on winning our respective districts,” Flores said. “To remain public prosecutors, we need to get reelected first.”
Flores acknowledged that if more Duterte-aligned candidates win seats in the Senate, it could complicate efforts to secure a conviction. Since impeachment trials are ultimately political, the makeup of the Senate will likely influence the outcome.
“Regardless of who gets elected, all we can do is present solid evidence. That’s our job — the rest is up to the Senate and public opinion,” Flores added.
The remarks come after former President Duterte was arrested and detained by the International Criminal Court in March over alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s war on drugs and the Davao Death Squad.
Despite his legal troubles, Duterte’s allies are gaining momentum in pre-election polls. Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, both closely aligned with the former president, are currently ranking in the top five.
Flores concluded by stressing the importance of sticking to legal facts: “Strong evidence is our best tool, no matter who dominates the Senate after Eleksyon 2025.”