By Liza Soriano

MANILA – Senate President Chiz Escudero on Tuesday (December 3, 2024) called on his fellow senators to withhold public comments or statements regarding the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Escudero emphasized that the impeachment complaint initiates a constitutional process aimed at ensuring accountability among the nation’s highest public officials.

“In light of this development, I reiterate my call to my colleagues in the Senate to refrain from making any public comments or statements regarding the allegations in the complaint’s articles of impeachment,” Escudero said.

He underscored that the Senate’s role as an impeachment court requires impartiality, warning that any perception of bias or pre-judgment could undermine both the integrity of the impeachment trial and the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution.

“Should the Senate be called upon to act as an impeachment court, any perception of bias or pre-judgment would undermine not only the integrity of the impeachment trial but also the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution,” he added.

Escudero urged his colleagues to remain objective, noting that while impeachment is often seen as a political exercise, it must be approached with impartiality and strict adherence to the Rule of Law.

“We must remain steadfast in upholding the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to the Rule of Law. This is what justice requires. This is what our people demand,” Escudero concluded.

Ia/mnm