(Photo by Senate of the Philippines)
MANILA – Sen. Kiko Pangilinan on Saturday disputed a reported announcement by an impeachment court spokesperson regarding the date for the verdict in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying such a declaration does not represent the position of the court.
“This verdict date is merely the opinion of the spokesperson. As Senator Judge, I do not share the opinion of the spokesperson. He has no authority to issue his personal opinions on the Court’s behalf,” Pangilinan said in a statement dated Oct. 3.
Pangilinan’s remarks underscore that decisions on the proceedings rest with the impeachment court and its senator-judges, rather than with a spokesperson acting independently.
The Senate impeachment court has been hearing the case against Duterte after voting on Sept. 23 to proceed under a 13-vote threshold for conviction.
The Vice President has contested aspects of the proceedings through her defense team as the trial continues.
