Senate court urges focus on trial, not court criticism

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Citing Rule 18 of the Senate’s impeachment rules, he said the court remains in the preliminary stage where deliberations on legal interpretations are expected. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Senate Impeachment Court on Wednesday called on parties involved in the looming trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to direct their attention towards preparing their legal arguments rather than casting doubt on the court’s authority and process.

Court spokesperson Regie Tungol said the Senate, as the sole body empowered by the Constitution to try impeachment cases, deserves respect, not accusations that undermine its credibility.

“Ano po ba ang motibo para i-criticize po ang impeachment court? Dun pa lamang po meron dapat tayong pagrespeto at hindi po natin matanggal ang kredebilidad ng korte (What is the motive behind criticizing the impeachment court? That alone should merit respect, and we should not erode the court’s credibility),” he said.

Tungol said expressions of opinion from senator-judges are allowed as the proceedings have not yet reached the presentation of evidence.

Citing Rule 18 of the Senate’s impeachment rules, he said the court remains in the preliminary stage where deliberations on legal interpretations are expected.

Earlier, human rights lawyer Tony Bucoy criticized the Senate’s move to return the impeachment articles to the House of Representatives, insisting the concept of “remand” has no place in impeachment proceedings.

He said former democracy icons like Joker Arroyo, Jose Diokno, and Lorenzo Tañada would not have approved of the Senate’s current approach, saying, “Mahihiya sila. Ikahihiya nila itong ginagawa ng kasalukuyang Senado (They would be ashamed. They would be ashamed of what the Senate is doing now).”

Bucoy said the impeachment process appears delayed, warning that prolonging proceedings only deepens public suspicion.

Meanwhile, former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, the President’s chief legal counsel, in a media report echoed Bucoy’s concerns and advised senator-judges to refrain from public commentary once the trial begins.

He also criticized the Senate’s vote to return the articles, calling it unprecedented and lacking legal basis.

“We never had the experience or precedent like what they have done now,” he added.

The impeachment complaint against Duterte, signed by 215 lawmakers, was filed on Feb. 5.

The Senate convened as an impeachment court four months later on June 10 before voting 18-5 to return the complaint to the House due to alleged constitutional infirmities.