House prosecution panel member and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon stated over the weekend that the absence of several senator-judges from the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte should not disrupt proceedings, provided a legal quorum is sustained.
Ridon made the remark in response to queries regarding senator-judges who have missed multiple trial sessions, with reports indicating some are currently out of the country.
“For as long as meron pong quorum to proceed, that shouldn’t have any impact on the proceedings itself,” he said.
The lawmaker drew a clear distinction between senator-judges who are simply off the main floor versus those who are entirely absent from the Capitol grounds.
“So may mga paglilinaw na rin naman ho. For example, if they aren’t on the floor pero they’re within the lounge, I think wala hong problema ’yon. I think that has already been clarified. Mas concern naman po ‘yung mga outside of the Senate premises po na mga senator-judges,” Ridon explained.
Despite these attendance issues, Ridon reiterated that as long as the minimum number of judges required to conduct official business is met, the trial must move forward seamlessly.
“But I think for as long as meron pong quorum to conduct business, dapat magtuloy-tuloy lang po ‘yung paglilitis hanggang pinakadulo,” he emphasized.
Operating at full capacity, the Senate impeachment court relies on a panel of 24 senator-judges to determine whether the Vice President is guilty of the charges leveled against her.