Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Saturday raised concerns over the public statements of Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta, who has been vocal in defending Vice President Sara Duterte ahead of her anticipated impeachment trial.
In a radio interview, Lacson said Marcoleta’s remarks appear to pre-emptively challenge the legal foundation of the case even before proceedings formally begin.
“Hindi pa nagsisimula ang trial, magqo-quote siya ng kung ano-ano,” Lacson said.
He added that Marcoleta had already signaled plans to question the basis of the impeachment complaint at the outset of the trial.
“Sabi niya, ‘Bago magsimula ‘yung trial, kukuwestyunin ko na ‘yung batayan kung ano ang basis,’” Lacson added.
Lacson then remarked that such a position could blur the line between being a senator-judge and acting as part of the defense team.
“Baka sabihin na lang namin, ‘Doon ka na lang maupo (sa defense),’” he said.
The Senate veteran also said he has already advised Senate President Vicente Sotto III to prepare for possible procedural disputes, as Sotto is expected to preside over the impeachment court.
“Kaya tinimbrihan ko na si SP Sotto. Sabi ko ‘Medyo paghandaan mo ‘yan. Ikaw ‘yung presiding (officer), syempre ikaw ang magru-rule,’” Lacson said.
Tensions have been mounting following Marcoleta’s privilege speech during the opening weeks of the 20th Congress, where he moved to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte.
His motion cited a July 2025 Supreme Court ruling that voided the articles of impeachment, though it was later amended to seek the “archiving” rather than outright dismissal of the complaint.
Marcoleta was also among the 19 senators who voted to defer to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.