Congressman Atty. Arnan C. Panaligan of Oriental Mindoro’s 1st District has emerged as one of the prosecutors in the historic impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, bringing his extensive legal and political experience to the unprecedented proceedings.

Panaligan, a former six-term mayor of Calapan City and ex-governor of Oriental Mindoro, joins a team of 11 House prosecutors tasked with presenting evidence against Duterte in what will be the country’s first-ever impeachment trial of a vice president.

The House of Representatives voted 215-306 on February 5, 2025 to impeach Duterte over allegations of corruption and alleged misuse of confidential funds amounting to P612.5 million pesos.

Panaligan’s selection draws on his legal background as an Ateneo de Manila University law graduate and his extensive experience in public service.

The 60-year-old legislator brings unique qualifications to the prosecution team.

During his tenure as Calapan City mayor from 1995 to 2004 and again from 2013 to 2022, Panaligan earned recognition for his anti-corruption campaign and transparent governance practices.

In 2021, he ranked third nationwide in mayoral job approval ratings according to the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc.

The prosecution team, led by Rep. Gerville Luistro, will present evidence supporting three main charges against the vice president: misuse of confidential funds during her concurrent role as Education Secretary, uttering assassination plots against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and betrayal of public trust.

Panaligan’s appointment comes at a crucial time in his political career.

After winning his congressional seat in 2022 under the Mindoro Bago Sarili party (now affiliated with Lakas-CMD), he has focused on infrastructure development and healthcare access in his district in Oriental Mindoro.

Panaligan’s background in both executive and legislative roles could prove valuable during the trial.

That being said, the prosecution team faces a hostile public supporting VP Duterte.

The impeachment trial signals a major shift in the political landscape since the 2022 elections when Marcos and Duterte won in a landslide victory as running mates.

Their alliance has deteriorated over policy differences, culminating in Duterte’s resignation as Education Secretary in June 2024.

Meanwhile, House prosecutors must prove their case beyond reasonable doubt in a politically charged environment where many senators maintain strong ties to both the Marcos and Duterte camps.

Senate President Chiz Escudero announced that preparations for the trial will begin immediately, though no start date has been set.

A two-thirds majority vote from the 24-member Senate is required for conviction.

The trial’s outcome could impact the future of Philippine politics, particularly with regard to the 2028 presidential election, where Vice President Duterte has been widely expected to run.

The case will now proceed to the Senate for trial.

But the Senate, as of February 5, 2025, has suspended its session, and is expected to resume on June 2, 2025.