Manila Representative Joel Chua, a member of the House impeachment prosecution team, called on senator-judges to maintain neutrality in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial following reports that some joined her on a recent trip to Malaysia.
Senators Robin Padilla and Imee Marcos were with Duterte during an Independence Day event in Kuala Lumpur, raising questions about impartiality. “Senator-judges are required to remain neutral,” Chua said during an interview with Unang Balita, adding that some have already shown partiality.
Chua mentioned the House panel will review its options in response to this issue. He also noted the Senate delayed the impeachment hearing twice, prompting his team to consider filing a motion for clarification regarding the remand of the complaint to the House.
Christian Monsod, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, earlier said senators like Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Francis Tolentino should recuse themselves, having already attempted to dismiss the complaint.
Legal expert Dindo Garciano from PhilConsa argued that instead of a clarificatory motion, the House should challenge the Senate’s order by filing a motion for reconsideration. He said the Senate’s directive is unconstitutional and places an undue burden on the House to justify the legality of its impeachment filing.
Duterte was impeached by the House in February with accusations of betrayal of public trust, constitutional violations, graft, and other high crimes. She has denied all charges.