Manila, Feb. 17 -- The Senate impeachment court can impose a lifetime ban on Vice President Sara Z. Duterte from holding public office even if she resigns before or during her impeachment trial, a House prosecutor said on Monday.

In a press conference, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, a member of the 11-man House prosecution panel, said resignation does not nullify the impeachment process, particularly the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

"The purpose of impeachment is, one, removal from office, and two, the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding a public office. And I believe resignation, while it might avoid the first penalty, the second penalty is still there," Gutierrez said.

Dut...