The Senate leadership is planning to appoint a dedicated “impeachment manager” from its roster to oversee the potential trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson revealed on Wednesday, May 6, that Senator Kiko Pangilinan is being strongly considered for the crucial role.
Lacson emphasized the necessity of placing a lawyer in the position, noting that Pangilinan and Senator Pia Cayetano are the only two legal professionals belonging to the Senate majority bloc.
Other lawyers in the chamber—including Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta, and Senator Chiz Escudero—are all members of the minority.
“We’re planning to appoint an impeachment manager, because Senator (Migz) Zubiri is also not a lawyer. We want to try Sen. Kiko since he is a lawyer,” Lacson said during a Kapihan sa Senado forum.
Lacson lightly added that Pangilinan shares a close bond with Marcoleta, noting that while it differs from his own, “they are also BFFs.”
According to Lacson, having a legal expert manage the floor is vital for navigating complex legalities, even though impeachment guidelines take precedence over standard judiciary procedures.
“(We need to appoint one) so that, in case, there is a question of law that needs to be interpreted, we need one who is well-versed on the rules of court, although the rules of impeachment will prevail here,” he pointed out.
He further clarified that a lawyer familiar with courtroom trials could effectively guide the Senate President on whether to overrule or sustain specific motions since the rules of court serve a suppletory function.
While the proposal has not yet been formally deliberated upon by the entire majority bloc, Lacson stated that the concept originated from Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri and already has the backing of Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
Lacson described the role as a legal anchor who would function as a “de facto majority leader” and shepherd for the proceedings.
He clarified, however, that the designation would not strip Pangilinan of his primary duties in the trial.
“Yes of course, he will still be a senator-judge. As impeachment manager, he will just be in-charge of maintaining the orderliness of the impeachment trial,” Lacson stressed.