Manila: House Committee on Justice Chair and lead prosecutor Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro of Batangas has voiced her opposition to proposals allowing senator-judges to participate or vote remotely in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. Luistro emphasized the necessity for senator-judges to be physically present throughout the proceedings due to the gravity of the trial.
According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro shared her views during a radio interview, addressing the suggestion made by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to permit Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa to engage in the trial via Zoom. Dela Rosa, a known ally of the Vice President, had recently taken refuge in the Senate following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign. He later participated in a pivotal Senate leadership vote.
Luistro expressed respect for Sen. Marcoleta but underscored the importance of the impeachment process. She stressed that senator-judges need to personally observe all aspects of the trial, including witnesses, documents, and video evidence, to ensure they can make informed decisions.
Luistro highlighted the significance of witnessing a testimony in person, as a witness's demeanor can provide insights into their credibility. She cautioned against relying solely on remote participation for impeachment decisions, suggesting it could undermine the integrity of the process.
Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers also opposed amending Senate Rules to allow online voting, arguing that such changes lacked a solid foundation. Barbers noted that the proposal seemed driven by some members' intentions to accommodate absences unrelated to medical reasons, potentially compromising the trial's integrity.
Barbers emphasized the necessity of physical examination of evidence and personal observation of witnesses during the trial. He asserted that senator-judges should respect the impeachment process by attending physically, barring medical exceptions, to fulfill their duty to the public responsibly.
