Metro Manila, Philippines – Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said a virtual participation in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial is unlikely to prosper as this is only allowed during emergencies.
In a statement on Friday, May 22, Lacson said both the rules in the Senate and Impeachment Court only allow remote participation during force majeure situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta made the motion to allow online participation which would benefit Sen. Ronald dela Rosa who is evading authorities.
Lacson said this is doomed to fail.
“Hindi lulusot. At saka maantala kami pag binago namin ang rules on impeachment,” he said.
[Translation: Such a move won’t succeed. And it might delay us if we have to change the rules of the Impeachment Court]
Lacaon said there is no decision on Marcoleta’s motion.
He said any attempt at revising impeachment court procedures would require formal amendments and adherence to Senate processes, warning that bypassing these rules could delay proceedings.
The trial of Duterte will begin on July 6, Senators Erwin Tulfo and Vicente Sotto III earlier said.
The trial is on Mondays to Wednesdays before the State of the Nation Address on July 27. Proceedings will be held Tuesdays to Thursdays after that.
