Solon rejects move to ask Robin, Bato to inhibit in Duterte impeachment trial

“Para sa akin, dapat hindi namin gawin ‘yun. Hindi dapat gawin ‘yun sa isang impeachment trial na ang mga senator judges ay pinapa-inhibit dahil ang isang impeachment ay isang political process. Hindi ito judicial process,” Rep. Lorenz Defensor, a member of the House prosecution team, said in a DZMM interview.

He added: “Ang hinihingi lang natin ay maging patas sa pag-prisenta o pag-allow ng mga prosecution at defense team na ilatag ng husto.”

Padilla earlier confirmed drafting his own resolution to junk the impeachment trial, saying he did not consult the Vice President about it. Dela Rosa has confirmed initiating the resolution in the Upper Chamber. 

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5 for "high crimes" including corruption and an alleged assassination plot against former ally and running mate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte has denied any irregularity in her office's use of confidential funds, adding her remarks on Marcos were taken out of context.

If convicted by two-thirds of the Senate, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office.

In the interview, Defensor said he is thankful that the impeachment trial has been set into motion with the oath-taking of Senate President Francis Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment court.

Rep. Gerville Luistro is assigned to read the articles of impeachment before the Senate.

“Handang handa na siya. Sang-ayon sa sulat ng Senate President sa House of Representatives, reading of the articles of impeachment lang ang nakatoka ngayong Miyerkoles, June 11,” Defensor said.

Veteran lawyers have volunteered to join the House prosecution team in the impeachment trial, he revealed.

“Maraming private volunteers na tutulong. Siguro sa Wednesday na lang natin sila ipakilala para pormal, kung dadalo sila sa reading ng articles of impeachment. Mga beteranong abogado sa industriya.”