Gerville Luistro apologizes for prosecution's wacky photo in Senate hall

Lead House prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro has apologized to the Senate after Senate President Win Gatchalian ordered an investigation into reported inappropriate antics that took place in the session hall.

In a DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 interview, the congresswoman confirmed that photos showing prosecutors doing goofy poses after the 39th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial were authentic and not AI-generated.

"That picture was preceded by a serious photo," she said. "Nag-picture muna po kami ng seryoso, and then after that, somebody asked, ’Let’s have a wacky picture.'"

"And it was indeed an expression of joy among genuine friends after long days of preparation and trial. We started [on] July 6, and indeed, ngayon lang kami magkakaroon ng break."

Luistro also apologized to Gatchalian, the Senate, and the senators.

"Kung kami man po ay nakalampas, it was never our intention to make fun of the institution; it was never our intention to make fun of the Senate," she told the radio outlet.

"We have always respected and given our highest regard to the Philippine Senate. Medyo hindi lamang po napigilan ang kaligayahang naramdaman sapagkat na-excite dun sa three weeks na magiging break ng impeachment trial—as simple as that."

Earlier on Thursday, Gatchalian ordered the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to look into CCTV footage to verify photos depicting antics in the Senate.

"Ang session hall at Senado ay sagrado dahil dito natin ginagawa ang marami sa mahahalaga nating batas, mga pinag-uusapan nating mahalagang isyu," he told reporters.

"Dapat respetuhin itong institusyon na ito, at hindi naman tama na may ginagawa kang katawa-tawa sa loob ng ating institusyon."

If the photos and videos are proven authentic, Gatchalian said that the Senate will issue statements and warnings.

The Duterte impeachment trial is currently on recess and will return on Nov. 9.

In the last session, the prosecution withdrew three of the four articles of impeachment, specifically the charges concerning misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats.