House prosecutors claim coordinated online campaign to undermine Duterte impeachment case

MANILA — The House prosecution team has raised alarm over what it describes as a coordinated social media assault aimed at undermining their credibility during the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan characterized the online activity as "desperate moves" in a statement released Wednesday by the House prosecution panel. The group alleged that trolls have been intensifying efforts to discredit the prosecutors handling the high-profile case.

The allegations come amid mounting political tensions surrounding the impeachment trial, which has captured national attention. The prosecution team's concerns about digital disinformation tactics reflect growing challenges faced by institutional proceedings in managing online narratives.

The House prosecution panel did not provide specific details about the scope or nature of the alleged trolling campaign. Kapunan's statement underscored the prosecutors' determination to proceed with their case despite the online pressure campaign.

The impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte represents a significant political development in the Philippines, with the prosecution panel working to present evidence and arguments before the House of Representatives.