Lacson calls for ‘fair’ verdict in Duterte trial

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson has called for a “fair” and “evidence-based” verdict in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Lacson made the remark during the Philippine Constitution Association’s 65th anniversary celebration in Makati yesterday when asked what kind of decision would help bring stability after a politically polarizing impeachment trial.

“A fair decision will bring stability to the country. As long as the decision is fair and based on evidence as presented without any political color, then it will bring stability to the country,” Lacson said.

He pointed out that the trial has yet to wrap up the prosecution’s presentation of evidence before the defense takes its turn.

“The defense has not yet presented their evidence. We only hear one side of the story. We need to hear the other side,” Lacson said.

The senator said fast-tracking the trial should mean maximizing the limited trial time without compromising evidence.

The Senate impeachment court will have a full week of proceedings this week, with whole-day trial dates set in the first half of October.

The verdict, which is expected to be heard by year-end, should be guided by the Constitution and by the weight of evidence, not by political considerations or public opinion, Lacson said.

In his speech, Lacson said accountability as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution is a tool to fight corruption and ensure honesty and integrity among public servants in the wake of the flood control mess.

He was referring to the Constitution’s provision that “Public office is a public trust,” which he said is a principle that cannot be compromised or negotiated.

Lacson threw shade at public officials who cry political persecution when investigated for malfeasance, instead of facing the allegations with confidence and conviction.

Constitutional crisis?

A law expert, meanwhile, has warned of a possible constitutional crisis amid the filing of petitions before the Supreme Court questioning the legality of the Senate impeachment court’s decision to lower the number of votes needed to convict the Vice President.

In an interview with dzMM, San Beda University-Manila Graduate School of Law Dean Rev. Fr. Ranhilio Aquino said the petitions filed by former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez and lawyer Ernesto Francisco Jr. were premature.

“The cases are premature because the decision of the Senate has not been used yet. It has not yet been applied on the respondent, Vice President Duterte,” Ranhilio said.

“To be able to bring a case in court, you should be the one affected in the decision of the Senate. Of course, they can use grounds like citizen suits, lawyer suits, and public interest suits. But basically, the rule is that you cannot file a case in the Supreme Court that you are not directly affected,” Ranhilio added. — Bella Cariaso