Mm-hmm.

Precisely.

That was my very first, uh, consideration.

When I knew that I will be the one to deliver the opening statement, talagang in my mind my first priority is to be able to communicate to the people especially those in the grassroots level 'no, the purpose of this impeachment, the significance of accountability, and that this thing is not only about us.

This thing is not only about the present generation.

It concerns even the succeeding generations.

Sabi ko nga, hanggang sa kaapo-apohan.

Doon po sa paghahanda ninyo sa inyong opening statement kahapon Ah, gaano po ka importante sa inyo yung ano, pagsiset ng tone? And if that was important to you, do you think you were able to achieve that, to set the tone for the prosecution of this impeachment trial?

Ano po yung ano, pinanggagalingan niyong point of view dito?

Actually Christian, I, I agree with the latter view of yours 'no.

Mas naniniwala ako na mas magiging maayos ang appreciation ng evidence for non-lawyers because they are not restricted by rules on evidence and other technicalities 'no.

You've said this initially, hindi po ito purely legal.

As a matter of fact, this power, if purely legal and technical sana sa judiciary binigay.

Pero hindi eh.

Sa legislative ibinigay at sino ito? The representatives of the people.

How are these things affecting your preparation?

Pero dito sa Senado, you d- you're not necessarily sure of what to expect 'no? Talk to us about the challenges that you are anticipating, ah, pagdating po yung trial.

Of course, we acknowledge, Christian, the political affiliation of the present majority 'no, sa Senate.

And, ah, we have to consider also na mga litigation lawyers talaga itong tatayong defense team for the Vice President 'no? Sa amin, the 11 prosecutors, alam din namin na while we are lawyers, medyo napahinto kami ng litigation since we embark in the public service.

Nevertheless, we are focused on just one thing, Christian, and that is for us to discharge our constitutional duty.

Ang aming objective, mailatag namin yung ebidensya ng maayos.

We are representing the people of the Philippines and we will submit to the impeachment court.

Pare-parehas kaming mayroong constitutional duty.

Nagkaroon po ba ng added pressure at least on your part yung pagpapalit ng liderato sa Senado doon sa mismong araw 'no, shortly before the House formally impeached the Vice President?