House Prosecutors Urge Voluntary Inhibition of Senator-Judges
The House prosecution team firmly believes that the senator-judges handling Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial should voluntarily inhibit themselves if they show any bias toward the official. This call for voluntary inhibition reflects concerns about impartiality during the proceedings.
San Juan City Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora shared in an interview on June 16 that the panel is actively discussing a motion for inhibition. “For the motion for inhibition, we are discussing that as a panel. At sa totoo lang po ang paniwala namin, it is a voluntary act on the part of the judges,” Zamora explained.
Ordinarily, court rules allow parties to request a judge’s inhibition based on relationships or bias. Zamora clarified, “If the judges are related to the parties or to the counsel, then the lawyers may move for a refusal of the judge. But it is really up to the judge to voluntarily inhibit himself or refuse himself from proceeding with trial.”
Impartiality Crucial in Impeachment Trial
In the Senate impeachment court, all senators act as magistrates, while certain members of the House serve as prosecutors. The House also verifies and endorses impeachment complaints. Zamora noted, “Ganon din po, I believe ang i-adopt po natin dito sa impeachment trial, it should be the senator-judges who will voluntarily inhibit themselves upon showing that they exhibited partiality or bias in favor of the Vice President.”
When asked if the prosecution panel plans to file a motion compelling the senator-judges to inhibit themselves, Zamora expressed caution. “We are discussing that but we don’t want to give any further reason for the other side to say or to accuse the House prosecution of delay in the impeachment trial,” she said.
Background on Motion to Dismiss
The push for senator-judges’ inhibition arose after a motion to dismiss the impeachment case outright was filed. Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa, one of the senator-judges, introduced the motion, which aimed to end the trial without hearings. However, the motion was amended to return the articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives for further action.
Senate President Francis Chiz Escudero, who presides over the impeachment court, carried the motion after the court voted 18-5 in favor.
This development highlights the delicate balance of fairness and procedure in high-profile impeachment trials. The House prosecution team remains vigilant in ensuring the process proceeds without undue delay or bias.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, visit Filipinokami.com.