Marcoleta Challenges House Prosecutors to Debate Impeachment Trial
Senator-elect and outgoing SAGIP Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta has openly challenged the House prosecutors to a debate regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. He emphasized that before proceeding, they should “Pagdebatehan muna natin kung talagang kailanga matuloy o hindi (Let’s debate first if we should push through with the trial or not).” Marcoleta, a known Duterte ally, made these remarks after his proclamation on Saturday, May 17.
The keyphrase “House prosecutors challenged to debate” appears prominently as Marcoleta questions the validity of the impeachment process. Notably, he did not sign the impeachment complaint approved by the House on February 5. He expressed his disagreement with how the document was crafted, stating, “Mali ang batayan, mali ang proseso (The basis and the process are wrong).”
Concerns Over Impeachment Process
Marcoleta insists he is ready for the debate and confident in his stance because he believes the House of Representatives made a significant error in handling the impeachment from the start. When asked about the nature of this mistake, he declined to elaborate, simply replying, “Secret.”
Other Senators Weigh In on Impeachment Trial
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, another Duterte supporter and highest vote-getter in the recent elections, said he prefers to wait for the prosecution team’s presentation of evidence along with the defense’s response. He aims to maintain impartiality on the matter.
“Based on evidence po ‘yan, kung wala naman pong ebidensya, edi wala. Ano pa itagal natin dito, sayang po ang panahon (That will be based on evidence. If there’s no evidence, then the case will be nothing. Why do we have to prolong her case? We’re just wasting time),” Go remarked. He further emphasized prioritizing public service by stating, “Unahin po muna natin ang pagseserbisyo sa taumbayan (Let’s prioritize the delivery of public service).”
Senator Imee Marcos, another Duterte ally, also voiced that her judgment will depend on the evidence presented.
Senator Lacson Calls for Strong Evidence
Senator-elect Panfilo Ping Lacson highlighted the necessity for the House prosecutors to provide compelling evidence if they want to secure Vice President Duterte’s conviction. He argued, “I would advise the prosecution to present a credible evidence kasi bakit ka mag-coconvict kung walang ebidensya. Bakit ka mag-aacquit kung matibay ang ebidensya (Why would you convict her if there’s no evidence, and why would you acquit her if the evidence is strong).”
This call for credible proof echoes the concerns raised by other lawmakers who seek a fair and transparent impeachment process.
Looking Ahead
As the impeachment trial unfolds, the demand for a well-grounded and evidence-based discussion remains central. The challenge by Marcoleta to debate the impeachment trial highlights the controversies surrounding the process and the need for clarity before moving forward.
For more news and updates on the House prosecutors challenged to debate impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.