HOUSE trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur over the weekend said the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte will serve as a crucial test of the country’s democratic institutions and constitutional accountability mechanisms amid mounting political tensions surrounding the proceedings.

“This is actually a litmus test for us na masasabi natin na this democracy still works,” Alonto Adiong, a House Assistant Majority Leader, said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

“And this is the perfect and democratic venue for both sides to air their complaint,” Alonto Adiong, the chairman of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, added.

The Senate impeachment trial stems from the Articles of Impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives against Duterte, which include allegations involving the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against the country’s top officials.

Alonto Adiong said the impeachment process would show whether constitutional accountability mechanisms can withstand political pressure, intimidation and partisan attacks.

“Ang pinag-uusapan natin dito ang gaano katatag ang ating Constitution, gaano nagwi-withstand ang Constitution despite the political pressure, gaano nagwi-withstand ang Constitution despite the scare tactics that have been employed by different sectors in our society,” he pointed out.

The House spokesperson stressed that the impeachment process must be given enough time for both the prosecution and defense to fully present their evidence and witnesses before the Senate impeachment court and the Filipino people.

“But ang gusto lang natin ma-establish is that it will be given enough time for all the articles to be aired, to be explained to the public,” Alonto Adiong said.

“Ultimately, the people wants to hear evidence, wants to see kung ano ‘yung nilalaman nitong mga allegations na ito,” he added.

The lawmaker also underscored the growing public interest in the proceedings, noting that even supporters of the Vice President have expressed a desire to see the evidence presented during trial.

“At sinabi naman kanina po ng ating expert dito, maski ‘yung mga supporters ng Vice President, gusto din po nila makita ‘yung mga ebidensya,” Alonto Adiong said.

“So it only means to say na ang buong bayan ay invested talaga dito,” Alonto Adiong added.