Members of the prosecution team in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte attended a Mass on Sunday at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus in Pasay City. The service, held on July 5, 2026, took place one day before the start of the formal impeachment trial, which is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 6.
Who attended the service?
According to a report by Christian Maño for Super Radyo dzBB, the attendees included Leila de Lima, Chel Diokno, Ysabel Zamora, and Joel Chua. They were accompanied by House Deputy Speakers Janet Garin and Jay-Jay Suarez, Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, and House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil. Private prosecutors Atty. Lorna Kapunan and Atty. Amando Ligutan also participated in the Mass.
Why did the prosecution team attend?
The participants stated they attended the religious service to seek guidance ahead of the trial. According to the group, they intended to pray for wisdom for all those participating in the proceedings. The attendees expressed a hope that the truth would prevail, that justice would be administered fairly, and that the rule of law would be upheld throughout the trial.
What is the schedule for the impeachment trial?
The impeachment trial is set to commence on July 6, 2026. Initially, the court will convene weekly from Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m. This schedule remains in effect until President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27. Following the SONA, the proceedings will shift to a Tuesday-to-Thursday schedule at 2 p.m. The House of Representatives impeached Vice President Duterte in May, citing allegations of bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes. On June 1, Duterte’s camp filed its answer to the Articles of Impeachment, requesting that the court dismiss the case.
How will traffic be affected?
Pasay City authorities have announced a traffic management plan near the Senate premises to accommodate the trial. A stretch of Diokno Boulevard will be closed to traffic, covering both northbound and southbound lanes from Seaside Boulevard to Atang dela Rama Street. Intersections along this segment will also be inaccessible. This closure will be enforced every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., beginning on July 6.
