House prosecutor and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor expressed optimism on June 2, that the Senate can still secure a conviction in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. 

Despite brewing political tensions within the upper chamber, the Iloilo representative emphasized that a successful conviction remains entirely achievable if senator-judges carefully evaluate the facts. 

Defensor stressed that the ultimate outcome hinges on a meticulous review of the case rather than pre-existing political alignments.

In an interview, Defensor pointed out that the presentation of evidence before the Senate impeachment court has the power to shift voting patterns. 

“I’m optimistic, that if they get to see the evidence before them, baka makumbinsi din ang iba sa kanila. Katulad nung nangyari sa Kongreso na kung kailan lumabas ang ebidensya, maraming marami palang bumoto.” The lawmaker said.

He drew direct parallels to the earlier proceedings in the House of Representatives, noting that initial hesitation among lawmakers rapidly dissolved once concrete findings were brought to light. 

According to Defensor, support for the impeachment strengthened significantly as the public and lawmakers alike witnessed the depth of the evidence during the committee hearings.

Reflecting on the early stages of the process, Defensor recalled how uncertainty originally plagued the House Committee on Justice before its hearings began. 

Many lawmakers were openly reluctant to pursue the case unless compelling new information emerged. 

However, as the evidence mounted, skepticism turned into decisive action, a momentum that the House prosecutor believes can be replicated in the Senate once the formal trial gets underway.