House Prosecutor Gerville Luistro on Thursday emphasized that the House prosecution panel will remain in full control of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on 6 July.

“The lead and the one in control of the trial will still be the House prosecutors,” Luistro said during a press conference where the private prosecutors for Duterte’s impeachment trial were formally introduced.

Luistro clarified that while private prosecutors will assist in preparing and presenting the case, the House prosecutors will continue to direct and oversee the proceedings against Sara.

Meanwhile, Sen. Jose Manuel "Chel" Diokno underscored the challenges involved in the impeachment trial, noting that prosecutors remain the ones to ensure that all evidence against Duterte will be properly admitted to the impeachment court.

“There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure all evidence is admitted by the court,” Diokno said, adding that the work of prosecutors is neither simple nor easy.

Furthermore, Diokno also expressed gratitude for the assistance being extended by the private prosecutors, saying their participation would help strengthen the prosecution's efforts in the impeachment proceedings.

“We are thankful to the private prosecutors,” he said, emphasizing that their role remains clear and important as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte moves forward.