House prosecutor 'glad' Marcos Jr. distancing self from VP Duterte impeachment
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House prosecutor 'glad' Marcos Jr. distancing self from VP Duterte impeachment
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — A member of the House prosecution panel welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. distancing himself from the impeachment Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the President should really not be involved because of the separation of powers.
MANILA — A member of the House prosecution panel welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. distancing himself from the impeachment Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the President should really not be involved because of the separation of powers.
Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor issued the statement after being asked about Marcos Jr.’s statement that he did not want the impeachment to happen.
Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor issued the statement after being asked about Marcos Jr.’s statement that he did not want the impeachment to happen.
“The President should not be involved in the impeachment. And I'm glad to hear that the President...will not interfere with the impeachment process," he said.
“The President should not be involved in the impeachment. And I'm glad to hear that the President...will not interfere with the impeachment process," he said.
Marcos Jr. on Tuesday stressed that he had opposed moves to impeach his former political ally. He also said that the matter is now up to members of Congress.
Marcos Jr. on Tuesday stressed that he had opposed moves to impeach his former political ally. He also said that the matter is now up to members of Congress.
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"We want the senator-judges to act independently, free from any influence from the executive department," Defensor said.
"We want the senator-judges to act independently, free from any influence from the executive department," Defensor said.
He added that while the President's sentiments may have an effect on the proceedings, "it's good to hear that he will not be involved."
He added that while the President's sentiments may have an effect on the proceedings, "it's good to hear that he will not be involved."
'SURVEYS CAN BE WRONG'
Defensor acknowledged a recent Pulse Asia survey showing more Filipinos disagree with the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte than those who agree but said "surveys can be wrong."
Defensor acknowledged a recent Pulse Asia survey showing more Filipinos disagree with the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte than those who agree but said "surveys can be wrong."
Surveys are snapshots of public sentiment at the time they are conducted. Public sentiment can and does change over time.
Surveys are snapshots of public sentiment at the time they are conducted. Public sentiment can and does change over time.
Defensor also acknowledged that Duterte has many supporters, which, he said, is another reason to get through the impeachment trial as soon as possible.
Defensor also acknowledged that Duterte has many supporters, which, he said, is another reason to get through the impeachment trial as soon as possible.
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“Because we want to see closure on the part of the supporters of the vice president, as well as closure on the part of those who feel that she should be convicted and removed from office for violation of the Constitution."
“Because we want to see closure on the part of the supporters of the vice president, as well as closure on the part of those who feel that she should be convicted and removed from office for violation of the Constitution."
PREPARATIONS
The House prosecution panel, along with volunteer private prosecutors, met last Monday to continue preparations for the impeachment trial.
The House prosecution panel, along with volunteer private prosecutors, met last Monday to continue preparations for the impeachment trial.
They also discussed the scenarios on June 2, when a House prosecutor will read the articles of impeachment against Duterte during Senate session.
They also discussed the scenarios on June 2, when a House prosecutor will read the articles of impeachment against Duterte during Senate session.
Defensor did not disclose yet who among the 11 House prosecutors will read the articles of impeachment.
Defensor did not disclose yet who among the 11 House prosecutors will read the articles of impeachment.
He said “many” of the witnesses presented during the hearings of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will be presented in the impeachment trial.
He said “many” of the witnesses presented during the hearings of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will be presented in the impeachment trial.
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