A big argument is happening in the government!
Lawyers from the House of Representatives are mad at someone from the Senate impeachment court. His name is Regie Tongol, and he’s the official spokesperson—or mouthpiece—of the court. That means when he talks, people think it’s the court talking.
But on Thursday, Mr. Tongol said that Vice President Sara Duterte might try to stop the impeachment case against her by saying the court has no power to hear it.
Mr. Tongol said, “We expect her team to say the court can’t handle this case and ask to throw it out.”
That made the House lawyers upset!
Lawyer Antonio Bucoy, who speaks for the House prosecutors, said:
“Mr. Tongol should speak only for the court, not for VP Sara’s side! Why is he already saying what the Vice President’s defense team might do? That’s not fair!”
Mr. Bucoy also said some people already feel that some court members are being biased—or taking sides. He said he used to believe the court would be fair, but Tongol’s comments made him think otherwise.
House spokesperson Princess Abante agreed and said:
“Don’t speak for the defense. Speak for the court. The court’s job is to look at the evidence and decide fairly.”
In a TV interview on GMA’s 24 Oras, Mr. Tongol answered back. He said:
“I’m not trying to confuse people or take sides. I just answered a question based on my experience as a lawyer. It’s part of my job to explain legal things to everyone.”
He also added that the Impeachment Court is neutral and fair, and everyone should respect the court and not throw attacks that just slow down the case.
Meanwhile, House Lead Prosecutor Marcelino Libanan, another important lawmaker, praised the senators who are staying quiet during the trial.
He said:
“Those who stay silent are actually showing true professionalism. This is not a time for drama—it’s a time for serious work.”
Mr. Libanan reminded everyone that the Constitution says judges must stay neutral. He said when judges talk too much outside the court, it could make people think they are being unfair inside the court.
He added:
“We ask all senator-judges to be careful and let the facts and laws decide the result—not noise and drama.”
✅ Why is this a big deal?
Because over 200 lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte back in February. They’re accusing her of breaking the Constitution, committing graft, and doing other serious crimes.
Now, everyone is watching closely to see if the court will be fair, or if it’s already picking sides before the trial even begins.
