House prosecutor insists Senate must proceed with VP Duterte’s impeachment

House prosecutor Jonathan Keith Flores insists that the Senate is constitutionally obligated to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte once the 20th Congress convenes.

Flores clarified that under the Constitution, the Senate has no authority to dismiss an ongoing impeachment case and stated in a DZMM interview on Friday that the trial 'is not optional.'

The House prosecution team member emphasized that no certification or compliance can be done until the 20th Congress is organized and starts.

Senate President Francis Escudero had previously suggested caution in convening the trial until the Senate Presidency is settled for the 20th Congress, but Flores countered this stance.

Some lawmakers have already indicated their intention to back a House resolution in compliance with the impeachment court's requirements.