THE House prosecution panel yesterday vowed to work during the Lenten break to expedite the proceedings in the Senate Impeachment Court as they welcomed the suggestion of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for both parties to agree on stipulation of facts to immediately resolve the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III and Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, both spokespersons for the prosecution panel, have expressed strong belief that there is no legal infirmity for the Senate Impeachment Court to hold trial even when Congress is on recess.

“We’re willing to work. If the Senate says we will work, we will work. Ang Senate ang may call diyan,” said Tañada. “I think when the Holy Week break comes closer the Senate President will make the decision.”

Angara said “I think, under the Constitution, wala namang prohibition doon. We are willing to attend the trial during break just to expedite the proceedings.”

Tañada agreed with Angara, saying “an impeachment court is different from the legislative functions of both chambers of Congress. They can continue on working even if the legislative functions are on recess.”

Congress is scheduled to go on official Holy Week recess on March 24 and will resume session on May 6.

At the same time, Angara said the prosecution panel has agreed to submit to the proposal of Enrle, the presiding officer of the Senate Impeachment Court, for the prosecution and defense to sit down for the stipulation of facts.

Angara said it would be better for the prosecution and defense to agree as to which evidence and witnesses would be accepted in order to relieve the court of acting on numerous objections during the trial.

“Yes this can be done outside of the trial proper and before trial begins in the morning, so as to facilitate the proceedings. Many documents, particularly public documents can easily be made subject to stipulation if the defense is willing,” said Angara.

The prosecution panel will present over 100 witnesses, including 13 associate justices of the SC, its administrator and spokesman, several media persons among others before the Senate Impeachment Court.