By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri cautioned on Tuesday (May 7, 2024) against the use of Senate hearings for political persecution by witnesses.
During a press conference, Zubiri emphasized that hearsay cannot serve as evidence, stressing the necessity of factual evidence to establish an individual’s guilt.
The senator’s remarks came in the wake of the Committee on Public Order’s hearing on the alleged involvement of veteran actress Maricel Soriano and the President in illegal drug activities, based on leaked documents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
“There must be a preponderance of evidence to arrive at the right answers and conclusions,” he asserted.
“Let’s be cautious. Let’s not allow ourselves to be used for political persecution,” the lawmaker added.
Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada questioned the credibility of former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales, who was dishonorably discharged from service. Morales had attested to the supposed authenticity of leaked 2012 documents allegedly implicating the President.
“You’re mentioning names of personalities, including the President and a prominent actress, without evidence, claiming it came from an informant. Now you’re saying you can’t remember?” the senator remarked.
Soriano appeared before the lawmakers, admitting ownership of condo unit 46-C in Rizal Tower, Rockwell, Makati City, which was subject to a PDEA operation in 2012.
However, Soriano stated that she sold the property in 2012, though she couldn’t recall the exact month.
