Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre on Saturday cautioned against allowing political controversies and developments in the Senate to overshadow the significance of the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Speaking during a news forum, Acidre expressed confidence that the Senate would carry out its constitutional duty as an impeachment court. However, he raised concerns that ongoing political issues involving some senators could divert public attention from the proceedings.
“Ang worry ko lang, ang worry ko lang is kung sa lahat ng ingay na ito, hindi kaya madistract ang taumbayan.”
Acidre emphasized that lawmakers are constitutionally obligated to follow the impeachment process, noting that members of the House of Representatives were likewise bound to act on the complaints filed against the Vice President.
“It’s really more of paano natin establish ‘yung…kasi technically they cannot derail it. We’re all duty-bound. In the same way kami sa House, we had no choice but were bound by the constitutional process to initiate the impeachment after may nagsampa ng complaints.”
He maintained that senators have no option but to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities in the impeachment proceedings.
The lawmaker also dismissed concerns that reports of a possible leadership change in the Senate could significantly affect preparations for the trial, saying any impact would likely be limited to scheduling matters.
“May tiwala pa naman ako na sa kaparehong paraan na ginampanan ng mga miyembro ng Kamara ang aming rule sa prosesong ito ay gagampanan din naman ng mga senador ang kanilang rule under the constitution to serve as the impeachment court. I don’t see any risk of the doubt at the moment.”
While expressing trust in the Senate, Acidre called on political leaders to avoid creating distractions that could cloud public understanding of the impeachment case.
“Ako naniniwala na gagawin at walang choice ang Senado kundi gawin at ginampanan ang tungkulin nila, klaro ‘yun. Pero itong mga ingay ng individual senators sabihin natin at kung ano pa ang nangyayari ngayon sa political scene natin. Sana hindi ito maging rason to muddle the issue.”
“Hindi rin makakatulong sa taumbayan natin, sa mga nanunuod, sa mga pumapansin at nanunuri na napakaraming issues na pinapalabas ngayon when all of our national attention should be given on this impeachment trial.”
Acidre said he does not expect the impeachment trial to face major delays despite speculation about possible changes in the Senate’s leadership or membership.
“In the end they just have to fulfill our role. And we have full trust that the Senate, is an institution also will fulfill their part. Ako personally, unless there is a matter of the scheduling or the composition of the reorganization of the chamber that could cause some delay but kung masasabi nating madedelay i dont think so.”
Meanwhile, the House prosecution panel continues reviewing evidence presented during previous hearings as part of its preparations for the impeachment trial. Acidre said the House is also coordinating with various sectors and stakeholders monitoring the process.
Despite the preparations, he noted that lawmakers remain focused on legislative work, including measures aimed at addressing economic concerns and other issues affecting Filipinos.