A debate broke out among lawmakers on Monday, July 20, regarding the propriety of introducing matters outside the scope of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial after Senator Robin Padilla defended himself against separate legal accusations.
Opening the trial’s seventh day, Padilla expressed regret for raising a personal issue but explained he needed to disprove reports that he had defied an order from the Office of the Ombudsman to file a counter-affidavit. The complaint in question involves his supposed involvement in the alleged “escape” of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Presenting what he asserted was his actual submission, Padilla stated that he had followed the Ombudsman’s order. He condemned the inaccurate media reports, noting that while he does not acknowledge the International Criminal Court, he respects the Ombudsman’s authority and had fulfilled his legal obligation.
Senator Erwin Tulfo challenged the appropriateness of using the impeachment trial as a platform for senators to address personal controversies unconnected to the Vice President’s case.
“Every minute, every hour that we waste away from the defense or from the prosecution of the case of the Vice President, it is injustice to the Vice President,” Tulfo said.
Tulfo stressed that the trial must proceed efficiently so the court can render a timely verdict based on the evidence.
He contended that the impeachment court’s sole purpose is to handle the complaint against Duterte, meaning discussions should remain strictly focused on relevant evidence, testimonies, and arguments.
Bringing up outside disputes involving senator-judges, he added, merely drags out the process and places unnecessary strain on Duterte and her family.
He suggested that lawmakers utilize alternative outlets for personal matters, such as press conferences, social media updates, or standard legislative sessions. Tulfo also called on Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the presiding officer, to enforce court protocols stringently and block extraneous debates.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano countered Tulfo, asserting that the trustworthiness of the impeachment court and its members is directly tied to the trial. He maintained that allegations against the senator-judges cannot be isolated from the proceedings since they impact the body’s overall credibility.
Cayetano also challenged Tulfo’s description of their roles, clarifying that lawmakers serving as judges are not meant to defend or prosecute the Vice President.
Their constitutional duty, he noted, is simply to evaluate the evidence and deliver a verdict, whereas the defense and prosecution teams hold the responsibility of presenting the cases.
“The integrity of the court and the justices or judges is always relevant,” he said.
To resolve the impasse, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III suggested that the statements be redirected to the Senate in its regular legislative capacity rather than being handled by the impeachment body.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan supported the proposal, pointing back to the impeachment trial of former President Joseph Estrada, where a similar manifestation by the late Senator Rene Cayetano was recorded before being transferred to the legislative Senate.
Escudero ultimately implemented that approach, ordering that Padilla’s comments stay in the official court logs while referring the actual issue to the regular legislative body.
While validating the concerns about introducing side issues, Escudero explained that the Senate is currently on break, meaning the impeachment court is the only active assembly where senators can gather.
“I ask the indulgence of the parties to this case,” Escudero said.
The Senate leader concluded by hoping that once Congress resumes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address, lawmakers will have the proper platform to handle legislative matters and inquiries separate from their duties as impeachment judges.