‘Biased impeach vote likely for absent senator-judges’

MANILA, Philippines — Senator-judges who missed the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte might end up voting based solely on political persuasion or alliances, Sen. Panfilo Lacson warned yesterday, questioning how absent members can make an informed decision to convict or acquit the impeached official.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Lacson voiced concerns that colleagues who failed to hear testimony and observe witness demeanor throughout the trial could compromise fairness.

“How can they decide now? They will just rely on their political persuasion or political alliance,” he said.

Lacson raised the issue as the impeachment court prepares to consult with four amici curiae (friends of the court): retired chief justices Artemio Panganiban, Reynato Puno and Hilario Davide Jr., and retired Supreme Court associate justice Adolfo Azcuna, regarding the required voting threshold for conviction.

The legal experts were invited after presiding officer Francis Escudero consulted the prosecution and defense panels.

Senator-judges are expected to vote on Sen. Erwin Tulfo’s motion for reconsideration regarding the 16-vote, or two-thirds threshold previously ruled on by Escudero.

Lacson cautioned the Senate against intervening in the petitions of detained Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada to participate in the trial.

Marcoleta has written to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Escudero seeking permission to vote, while Estrada’s bid to attend was rejected by the Sandiganbayan in July.

Bato, Loren

Asked about Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Lacson distinguished between members who never took the oath as judges and those who did but missed proceedings.

Dela Rosa has been in hiding following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court and after fleeing the Senate compound following a shooting incident on May 13.

Meanwhile, Sen. Loren Legarda has been abroad for several weeks now amid personal health issues and plunder allegations over P10.44 billion in incomplete solar energy projects awarded to her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste.

Lacson said Legarda has reached out to colleagues for moral support.