By MANILA, Philippines — While they respect the Senate as a co-equal body and as an impeachment court, the House of Representatives’ prosecution team for Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial expressed concerns about proposed rule change that seeks to allow senators to participate in proceedings remotely.
In a statement on Wednesday, prosecution team spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said that while they understand that the proposed rule amendment only applies to the Senate’s proceedings, particularly its session, there is a greater significance now that the chamber is preparing for a trial.
“This is not an ordinary period in the Senate. Once senators sit as judges in an impeachment court, the Filipino people expect them to be physically present, listening to the evidence and personally performing that constitutional duty,” he added.
