Representative Lorenz Defensor has pushed back against suggestions that Senators Robin Padilla and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa should recuse themselves from the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte — despite both lawmakers having authored resolutions seeking to dismiss the case.
“For me, that’s not the right move. In an impeachment trial, you don’t ask senator-judges to inhibit themselves just because of prior political stances. Impeachment is a political process, not a judicial one,” said Defensor, who is part of the House’s prosecution panel.
“What we’re asking for is simple: a fair opportunity for both the prosecution and defense to present their case.”
Senators Padilla and Dela Rosa have openly admitted to filing resolutions to drop the impeachment proceedings. Padilla clarified that his move was made independently, without any coordination with Vice President Duterte. Dela Rosa confirmed he took a similar step on his own.
The House of Representatives voted on February 5 to impeach Vice President Duterte, accusing her of “high crimes” — including alleged corruption and supposed involvement in a plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former ally. Duterte has fiercely denied the allegations, stating that her office’s confidential funds were used properly and that her remarks about the President were misrepresented.
If the Senate convicts Duterte with a two-thirds majority, she will be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office.
With the impeachment court now officially in session following the oath-taking of Senate President Francis Escudero as presiding officer, the trial is moving forward. Defensor said he’s thankful the process is finally underway.
Representative Gerville Luistro is set to read the articles of impeachment before the Senate on Wednesday, June 11, marking a key step in what promises to be a high-stakes and historic political showdown.
“She’s fully prepared,” Defensor assured. “According to the Senate President’s letter to the House, the agenda for Wednesday is solely the reading of the articles of impeachment.”