Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua gave a shout out on Friday, July 10 to Senator Pia Cayetano for helping provide a basic comfort to him and his fellow prosecutors during the very nerve-wracking Senate impeachment court proceedings 

In a press conference, Chua shared that participation in the impeachment trial of respondent Vice President Sara Duterte was physically draining, and that Senate plenary's prohibition on water and beverages only added to the difficulty.

This led to parched throats among the prosecutors during the high-stakes trial, which began last Monday, July 6.

“Nandoon din ’yung stress, nandoon din po ’yung tension (The stress was there, and so was the tension),” Chua said.

He recalled that on the first day of trial, Senate security personnel stopped him from bringing water inside the chamber, and required him to finish his drink before entering.

“Nung ako po pumapasok may dala po akong tubig, pinagbawalan po akong makapasok ng tubig dahil bawal daw po sa loob,” said the veteran lawmaker from Manila.

(I had my water with me when I entered, and I was told that I couldn't bring it inside.)

Chua thanked senator-judge Cayetano, sister of ex-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano for later manifesting and proposing that prosecutors be allowed to have water during the proceedings.

“Napakahirap din po noon, magsasalita ka doon, tuyo na ’yung bibig mo. Hindi rin naman po ganun kadali na magsalita doon sa harap ng mga ating kagalang-galang na senator-judges, at sa harap din ng publiko,” Chua said.

(It is also very difficult there, you speak and your mouth is already dry. It is not that easy to speak in front of our honorable senator-judges, and also in front of the public.)

The lady senator's manifestation centered on a request for the court allow the prosecution and defense teams to take basic breaks, stand periodically, and drink water.

She says that remaining seated for hours without movement is unhealthy, and that attending to basic needs promotes wellness during long proceedings.

These remarks have been branded by some netizens as needless chatter or a delaying tactic, but Chua clearly appreciates the gesture.

The trial against Duterte is being held at 2 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday. The proceedings have typically lasted for four to five hours.