Prosecution Resigns Impeachment court adjourns indefinitely
by Eloisa Navarro-Ferrer
MANILA, Philippines, Jan. 17, 2001 — It was the most somber day in the 24-day impeachment trial.
The Impeachment Court was adjourned shortly after the session began due to the absence of the prosecution
team. In a letter submitted to Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., the 11-man Prosecution Team stated that they are
withdrawing their appearance in the impeachment case.
It is with "deep regret that we are submitting our collective, irrevocable resignation as prosecutors of the impeachment trial.
We feel we can no longer discharge our duties", the House prosecution stated in their letter.
The statement, which was read by the Chief Justice, further states they were tasked by the House of Representatives
to present the truth, but it has become clear to them that the judgement of the Court will not be based on evidence but
on partisanship of the senator-judges. The House prosecutors further stated in their letter that they could no longer
participate in the constitutional process to impeach a President who has lost the moral authority to govern.
"The verdict of history is now passed to the sovereign Filipino people", the statement ended.
To cap an emotionally charged 24-day trial, Senator-Judge Raul Roco reprimanded Defense counsel Raul Daza
for questioning the decision of the court to adjourn indefinitely while the House decides on the resignation of the
prosecution team. Roco, who obviously was furious, told Daza that he does not belong to the Court and should
therefore hold his piece.
The action now reverts back to the House of Representatives and more so, to the streets.
