Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson declared on Saturday his intent to resist any efforts to obstruct the Senate from convening as an impeachment court should the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte reach the chamber.
In a social media post, the veteran lawmaker clarified his stance on the procedural mandate of the upper house, emphasizing that the body is constitutionally obligated to act once a formal transmission is made.
“For context, I did not say I will not oppose and vote against any motion to stop or delay the convening of the Senate into an impeachment court, if it comes to that,” Lacson said.
While Lacson maintains that the Senate must convene, he acknowledged the reality of the chamber’s legislative dynamics.
“That said, the Senate is a collegial, deliberative body that is always ruled by the vote of the majority,” he added.
Lacson further warned that failure to perform this constitutional duty could invite judicial intervention. However, he was quick to point out that his insistence on following procedure does not indicate how he will eventually vote on the Vice President’s culpability.
“This position… has nothing to do with my decision to convict or acquit the respondent as I will always be guided by the evidence to be presented and nothing else,” he stated in a press release.
The senator’s remarks arrive as allies of the Vice President, including Senator Robin Padilla, suggest they may challenge the proceedings.
Lacson noted that those attempting to block the trial must answer to the public if they succeed in convincing a majority to stop the process.
“Kung ganoon ang mangyari, it’s on them. Sila ang sumagot sa taumbayan kung bakit ayaw mag-convene,” he remarked.
The House Committee on Justice, led by Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, is scheduled to sponsor the articles of impeachment on May 11.
Under the Constitution, the support of at least one-third of the House membership—or 106 lawmakers—is required to send the case to the Senate for trial.