Pro-Sara Duterte senator-judges urged to observe neutrality
MANILA, Philippines — Senator-judges who openly show support for Vice President Sara Duterte should observe neutrality, as the Senate has already convened as an impeachment court, a Palace official said on Friday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the call in response to the concern of a House prosecution member, Manila Rep. Joel Chua, over some senator-judges’ backing of Duterte, particularly senator-judges Robin Padilla and Imee Marcos.
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“Right now, their biases are being displayed openly. I hope they respect the people and show even a bit of shame, because they are supposed to serve the public, not just a single individual,” Castro said in Filipino.
The current law states that senator-judges must maintain neutrality and must not be biased during the impeachment process, Castro noted.
On Monday, Padilla filed a resolution seeking the dismissal of the impeachment case against Duterte, similar to what Senator Ronald dela Rosa did.
Senator Marcos, meanwhile, joined Duterte during the Independence Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
President respects all opinons
Castro was also asked for Malacañang’s comment on the Philippine Constitution Association’s remarks that the Senate’s decision to “return” the impeachment complaint against Duterte to the House of Representatives may constitute a grave abuse of discretion.
READ: Philconsa: Senate act can endanger PH democracy
“The president respects every individual’s or group’s opinion. As the President said yesterday, the true enemy of freedom is apathy. The President still wishes for the country’s democracy to remain strong and stable,” Castro said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also believes that any differences between the Senate and House of Representatives will be resolved, Castro added.
