Senate’s independence as impeachment court pressed
SENATE President Francis Escudero reaffirmed the Senate’s independence in handling the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that any intervention by the Supreme Court would be subject to a vote among senators.
In an interview on “Morning Matters,” Escudero addressed concerns over the trial’s procedures, highlighting that the Senate will function as an impeachment court and follow legal standards.
“The senators will be facing on the back part of the session hall not facing the rostrum,” he explained, noting that the trial setup will resemble a courtroom, with the prosecution and defense positioned on either side and witnesses at the center.
While impeachment proceedings often follow legal protocols, Escudero clarified that there is no fixed standard of proof.
“Walang standard ng proof beyond unreasonable doubt, substantial evidence, walang ganoon. Depende sa kada senador kung ano sa tingin niya ang sapat na ebidensya para ma-convict,” he said, underscoring that each senator will determine what level of evidence is sufficient to convict or acquit.
Escudero stressed that under the Constitution, the Senate is the sole body authorized to try impeachment cases.
However, when asked about potential Supreme Court rulings affecting the trial, he maintained that the Senate has the discretion to decide whether to comply.
“The House was right smacked in the middle of voting for the impeachment complaint against then Chief Justice Davide, and a TRO was issued that we cannot put it to a vote. The House ignored it and proceeded to put it to a vote,” he recalled, illustrating how impeachment proceedings have historically clashed with judicial intervention.
He further explained that while he generally respects Supreme Court decisions, the Senate will vote on whether to adhere to any ruling that may arise. “Any decision of the court I will follow as a general rule unless someone raises a point and puts it to a vote,” he said.
Escudero also pushed back against criticisms that the impeachment trial is being delayed, stating that past cases followed similar timelines due to legislative recesses and procedural requirements.
