Senator Robin Padilla and other senators have been asked to step aside from the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to a statement from the Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL).
In a press conference at the University of the Philippines Diliman, MCCCL spokesperson Atty. Jojo Lacanilao expressed concerns that some senators, including Padilla, had already formed an opinion on the case before seeing all the necessary documents and evidence. He argued that senators should not make decisions based on assumptions but should wait until all the facts are presented.
Lacanilao specifically called for Padilla and other senators who have publicly made up their minds to recuse themselves from the trial. He said it was wrong for them to make judgments before reviewing all the evidence.
Senator Padilla responded to the request by suggesting that it would be better to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court on the matter before taking any further action. He mentioned that he was thankful for the suggestion but believed it would be more appropriate to wait for the Court’s ruling.
Earlier, lawyer Catalino Generillo Jr. had petitioned the Supreme Court to urge the Senate to immediately begin the impeachment trial, saying the Senate could not delay its duty during recess. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, and the issue will be included in their agenda on February 18.
Padilla, who is aligned with the UniTeam, had previously stated that he would vote against impeaching Duterte. This position has drawn criticism, with Lacanilao calling it a violation of the Constitution, suggesting that senators should do their jobs fairly and not prejudge the case.
On February 5, the House of Representatives passed the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, with 215 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Articles were sent to the Senate the same day, and 25 additional congressmen later signed, increasing the total to 240.
However, Senate President Chiz Escudero pointed out that the Senate can only begin the impeachment trial when Congress is in session, which means the trial would not start until the 20th Congress opens in July.
Lacanilao argued that the Senate was unnecessarily delaying the trial and that this was not in line with the Constitution. He expressed confidence that the evidence against Duterte was strong, and he emphasized the importance of respecting the process and allowing the Senate to decide.
Vice President Duterte has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing regarding the misuse of confidential funds under her office and the Department of Education. These allegations were included in the Articles of Impeachment. Duterte said she would discuss the impeachment with her legal team.
Meanwhile, the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA) held a rally to support the impeachment trial and called for public participation in a protest on February 25 at the People Power Monument in EDSA. Dr. Edelina Dela Paz, convenor of the group, urged people to unite for the common good and demand better use of funds for public services, not for political gain.
