Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Sunday said the possibility of impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte could affect the Philippines’ image internationally.
“Sana naman huwag ano. Dahil nakakahiya sa mundo… Nevertheless, paghahandaan natin kung sakali. Ako naman ready ako,” Sotto said, adding that the Senate, acting as the impeachment court, must be prepared should the complaints reach the chamber.
He explained that he has already mapped out a schedule to balance legislative work and trial proceedings.
“In the morning, from 9 am to 1 pm, legislative work ang Senado. Pagdating ng 3 pm up, e di impeachment court. Kung sakali sinabi nila dalawa, at the very remote possibility, sabay namin dalawa. E di gawin MWF ‘yung isa, TTH, ‘yung isa. Siguro naman majority ng members papayag,” he said.
Sotto stressed that the Senate must act immediately once it receives the articles of impeachment.
“Somehow yes parang ganun ‘yun, kasi ire-refer sa Committee on Rules then Rules Committee will take up the rules, take up sa floor ulit, then gagawa ng schedule for the prosecution to present. Tapos pasasagutin ang defense or impeached officer pasasagutin. Pwedeng tuloy na kaagad sa trial yun,” he explained.
Senator Win Gatchalian, meanwhile, warned that impeachment proceedings against both leaders would be divisive.
“Dapat pag isipan mabuti ng mababang kapulungan, tingnan mabuti yung ebidensya dahil kung pampultika lang, talagang masisira tayo,” he said.
Gatchalian also questioned the credibility of former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co as a witness in the case against Marcos.
“Kung gusto niya talagang tumulong, dapat matagal na siyang umuwi dito,” he added.
The remarks highlight growing concerns in the Senate over the potential political and international repercussions of impeachment complaints against the country’s top leaders.