Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has issued a stern reminder to his colleagues regarding the necessity of impartiality should the Senate convene as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a recent radio interview, Lacson emphasized that senators must strictly adhere to their roles as “senator-judges,” cautioning them against showing bias toward either the prosecution or the defense.
He noted that the integrity of the proceedings rests on the lawmakers’ ability to remain objective observers rather than active participants in the legal skirmishes.
“Importanteng maunawaan namin na hindi kami lumalabas na parang prosecutor o kaya defense panel. Kailangan kami nakikinig lang kami sa tanong ng prosecution team at pag-cross-examine ng defense sa prosecution witness and vice versa, at nagta-take down kami ng notes para magkaroon ng informed decision,” Lacson stated.
He further clarified that any intervention from the floor should be strictly limited to seeking clarity on the facts presented.
According to Lacson, overstepping this boundary could compromise the public’s perception of the trial’s fairness.
“At kung meron kaming di maliwanagan dun lang kami papasok at magtatanong ng clarificatory questions. Hindi kami pwedeng mag-sound na parang member ng prosecution panel or defense panel kasi di magandang pangitain yan,” he explained.
Addressing the logistical and procedural weight of the trial, Lacson pointed to the daunting task facing Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who would be tasked with presiding over the chamber and making critical rulings on legal objections.
“Ang mabigat na nakaatang sa balikat kay SP Sotto. I can only sympathize with him kasi siya magru-rule pag may issue. Halimbawa may pagtatalo ang prosecution at defense, ano ang susundin niya, isu-sustain niya ang tanong o io-overrule niya? Importante yan,” Lacson remarked.
As he prepares for the possibility of a trial, Lacson affirmed that he is currently reviewing impeachment procedures to ensure his conduct remains beyond reproach.
He vowed that his final verdict would be rooted entirely in the evidence presented during the proceedings, devoid of external political influence.
“Magiging patas ako. Kaya ayoko mag-comment whatsoever. Kung anong lalabas na evidence at susundin ko kung anong nakapaloob sa aming rules of impeachment kung ano sa aking discretion bilang huwes ang magiging boto ko ibabase ko lamang doon. Walang ibang factor na titingnan,” he concluded.