House Prosecutor Rejects Cayetano Interim Administration Proposal
MANILA, Philippines — House Lead Prosecutor Gerville Luistro said there is no constitutional basis for the proposal to establish an interim administration in the Senate amid an ongoing leadership dispute in the chamber.
Luistro made the statement as tensions continued between Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian over questions surrounding Senate leadership.
During a press briefing, Luistro emphasized that the Senate cannot have two presidents at the same time. She also argued that there cannot be two Senate secretaries or two clerks of court serving the impeachment court simultaneously.
The House prosecutor expressed concern over the leadership situation in the Senate as preparations continue for the upcoming pre-trial conference and the impeachment trial proper.
Her remarks came after a proposal from Cayetano’s group calling for an interim administration in which two factions would jointly manage Senate affairs.
According to Luistro, the Constitution does not contain any provision allowing the creation of such an arrangement. She maintained that the proposal lacks constitutional support and should not be considered a solution to the leadership conflict.
Luistro also said that the 11-member prosecution panel would follow the position of the House leadership. She stated that the panel recognizes the leadership headed by Gatchalian in relation to the ongoing proceedings.
The congresswoman further stressed that the issue is not simply a question of who serves as Senate President or presiding officer. Instead, she described it as a constitutional duty that must be fulfilled without interruption.
She said the impeachment trial should proceed and should not be delayed by disputes involving Senate leadership.
The Senate leadership issue remains under public scrutiny as both chambers continue preparations related to the impeachment proceedings.
