Senators Caution on Senate Impeachment Court Decisions
Two senators have raised concerns about the presiding officer and spokesman of the Senate impeachment court speaking on behalf of the entire body and making unilateral decisions. Their warning highlights the importance of collective judgment within the Senate impeachment court.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero currently presides over the impeachment court handling the case of Vice President Sara Duterte. He appointed lawyer Reginald Tongol as the court’s spokesman. However, Senator Risa Hontiveros stressed that Tongol is authorized to express only his personal views.
“But, with all due respect, he does not reflect the voice of the Senate,” Hontiveros said in a statement. She emphasized that the Senate’s strength lies in its collective decision-making, not in individual declarations.
Concerns on Court’s Rule-Making
Hontiveros also criticized the impeachment court for acting inconsistently regarding its rules. While the court had maintained it could not convene or act before the start of the 20th Congress, it has already begun setting its own procedures. This development comes as the new Congress started on June 30 and will officially open on July 28.
“They are not consistent with what they have long been saying that the Impeachment Court cannot convene or act until the 20th Congress starts. On the other hand, they are already unilaterally deciding on the rules of the Impeachment Court,” Hontiveros remarked. She urged her colleagues to respect proper processes and allow decisions only when the Senate is fully convened.
Support from Fellow Senator
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto expressed agreement with Hontiveros’ stance. In a message, he said, “I concur! She is spot-on!” Sotto added that statements from the presiding officer do not represent the entire Senate unless agreed upon by a caucus of members.
Efforts to get comments from Escudero and Tongol were unsuccessful as of the latest update.
Impeachment Court Procedures and Delays
In a recent press briefing, Tongol explained that the impeachment court’s reconvening depends on whether the House of Representatives prosecutors comply with certain court requirements. These include certifying that the impeachment complaint against Duterte does not breach the one-year filing ban, and confirming the current House’s willingness to proceed with the case.
So far, the previous House of Representatives has complied with the first requirement. Tongol also mentioned that the swearing-in of new senator-judges might be delayed until the Senate elects a new leader or re-elects its current president.
“The presiding officer does not want any questions to arise regarding that step in the oath-taking process, as it could be challenged and lead to legal impediments once the proceedings move forward,” Tongol explained. He added that prudence calls for waiting until the Senate president, who will also preside over the impeachment court in the 20th Congress, is officially elected before conducting oath-taking.
These remarks followed Senator Hontiveros’ call for the presiding officer to swear in the 12 new senator-judges who recently assumed their roles in the impeachment trial.
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