SECRETARIAT FORMED
THE House of Representatives has formally established an Impeachment Secretariat to provide technical and administrative support to public prosecutors handling the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte.
House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco has issued Memorandum Order No. 19-1006 (SG).
According to Velasco, the House Secretariat plays a vital role in ensuring the orderly conduct of legislative proceedings, including impeachment trials.
This directive ensures that the prosecution team has access to essential logistical, research, and documentation support to facilitate a smooth and efficient trial process.
The Impeachment Secretariat will be composed of personnel from key House departments, including the Office of the Secretary General, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Legislative Operations Department, Legal Affairs Department, and other relevant units. Their functions will include plenary support, legal research, records management, stenographic transcription, information technology, security, and administrative coordination.
Velasco emphasized that the assigned personnel will adhere to strict House rules and ethical guidelines, ensuring transparency and professionalism throughout the process.
“This is a routine function aligned with our constitutional duty. The House Secretariat remains neutral and professional in fulfilling its mandate,” Velasco added.
To ensure accountability, all personnel assigned to the Senate will record their attendance through the designated HousePass monitoring system, and their schedules will be managed by their respective offices.
“As the impeachment process moves forward, the Impeachment Secretariat will continue to provide the necessary support to uphold the integrity of the proceedings,” Velasco stressed.
