Only Duterte, not senator-judges, can seek case dismissal - Lacson

Metro Manila, Philippines – Only Vice President Sara Duterte, through her defense panel, has the constitutional right to seek the dismissal of the impeachment case, not a senator-judge, Senator-elect Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Wednesday, June 11, while highlighting the importance of impartiality and due process in the proceedings.

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Lacson said it was “improper and unprecedented” for a senator-judge to initiate a motion to dismiss a case the Impeachment Court was tasked to try and decide. The court has returned the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives.

“I’d like to believe na ang may karapatan lang na mag-move to dismiss a case, yung defense panel,” Lacson said. “Kasi saan ka nakakita ng judge na mag-move to dismiss? It’s quite funny to hear a judge moving to dismiss a case that he himself is trying.”

[Translation: “I believe only the defense panel has the right to move to dismiss a case. Have you ever seen a judge move to dismiss? It’s quite funny to hear a judge moving to dismiss a case he himself is trying.]

The Impeachment Court had barely convened when Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa moved for an outright dismissal of the complaint against the vice president over what he claimed was a violation of the one-year bar. This was revised into a motion to remand, which was backed by 18 senators.

Lacson expressed concern that such actions could erode public trust in the constitutional process to make sure high-ranking officials are held accountable.

“Article XI (of the Constitution) pertains or speaks about accountability of public officials... Kung hindi maging held accountable ang isang public official, especially an impeachable public official, then parang hindi natin binigyan ng daan para ma-defend,” he said.

[Translation: Article XI speaks about accountability of public officials. If a public official, especially one subject to impeachment, is not held accountable, then we’re basically denying due process and the opportunity to defend oneself.]

Lacson warned that dismissing the case prematurely only fuels speculation and undermines transparency.

“Without a trial, all allegations against the vice president will hang unresolved. The public might wrongly assume she’s guilty just because the trial didn’t proceed,” he noted.

“Pag hindi natuloy impeachment trial, nakahang yung lahat ng accusations sa kanya… Some of our countrymen would be thinking, ‘Ah, guilty siguro ’yan kaya hindi natuloy yung trial,’” Lacson said.

[Translation: “If the impeachment trial does not proceed, all accusations against her will be left hanging. Some of our countrymen might think, ‘Ah, maybe she’s guilty — that’s why the trial didn’t go on.]

The senator urged his colleagues to withhold judgment until evidence is presented. “If the case has no merit, we acquit. If the evidence is strong, we convict. But let the process unfold,” he said.

“Evidence, evidence, evidence. Nothing more,” he added.

He also called out senators who have expressed bias before the trial even begins, saying it reflects prejudgment.

“It’s quite awkward to say the least na maupo kang senator-judge, meron ka nang pre-judgment. Hindi mo pa nakikita yung evidence, meron ka nang judgment na gusto mong i-dismiss yung kaso,” the incoming senator said.

[Translation: “It’s quite awkward to sit as a senator-judge already having pre-judgment. You haven’t even seen the evidence, and you already want the case dismissed.]

Despite the controversy, Lacson assured the public that if the trial proceeds, he and other senators will base their judgment solely on the merits of the case.