Senator-judge Pia Cayetano on Monday stressed the need to strictly observe the law and due process in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the proceedings should leave as little room as possible for public doubt over their legality and constitutionality.
During the 33rd day of the impeachment trial on Oct. 5, Cayetano said questions could arise in the public’s mind if the Senate impeachment court failed to carefully follow legal procedures.
“Nagkakaroon ng duda sa mind ng public kung tama ba ang proceedings natin, kung constitutional ba siya? Kung legal ba siya? ‘Yun lang naman ang gusto nating lahat, na legal ‘yung mga proceedings natin, walang mga shortcut,” Cayetano said.
She added that she wanted the trial conducted in a manner that would minimize doubts and ensure due process for all parties.
“My desire that we conduct our trial in a manner would lead the least amount of doubt in the minds of anyone, that we are following due process,” she said.
Cayetano also noted that the decisions made by senator-judges during the proceedings would eventually be judged by history.
“I just put on record lahat po ‘tong observation ko, Mr. President, because only history will judge the decisions that we make,” she said.
The Senate impeachment court is hearing the case against Duterte, with senator-judges considering evidence and testimony presented by the prosecution and defense.
