Palace Calls for Neutrality in Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has urged senator-judges to maintain impartiality in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The Palace emphasized that the process should not be labeled a “witch hunt,” a term that has recently been used in public discourse.
Palace press officer Claire Castro addressed the issue following Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s comments that described the trial as a witch hunt designed to oust Duterte from politics. “We urge senator-judges to stay neutral and avoid statements that may reveal bias,” Castro said during a briefing.
Senator-Judges Should Avoid Prejudging Trial
Castro stressed that calling the impeachment trial a witch hunt before it has even begun is premature and unfair. “It’s like declaring someone not guilty before any evidence is presented,” she added. The Palace distanced itself from the proceedings, stating it has no involvement in the trial.
Zubiri, while acknowledging his personal bias, insisted the impeachment process must move forward according to the 1987 Constitution. He explained that some groups aim to remove Duterte to either install someone else as vice president or eliminate political rivals ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
Bipartisan Views on the Impeachment Proceedings
“Of course, I have some biases. I think that it is a witch hunt because they want to remove her from public service so others can sit,” Zubiri admitted. However, he pledged to set aside his biases and uphold the constitutional process. “We must defend and protect the Constitution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor criticized Zubiri’s remarks, calling them “unbecoming” for senator-judges who are expected to be impartial. Defensor urged them to review and discuss the evidence thoroughly before branding the trial a witch hunt.
Impartiality Essential to Fair Trial
Defensor’s comments highlight the importance of neutrality among the senator-judges. He emphasized that fair proceedings require open minds and careful consideration of all presented evidence. “Senator-judges should receive and discuss the evidence first before making such claims,” he remarked.
As the impeachment trial preparations continue, calls for fairness and neutrality grow louder. Observers stress that the trial must adhere strictly to constitutional mandates without prejudice or preconceived notions.
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