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Senator Robin Padilla, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Imee Marcos and Senator Jinggoy Estrada (Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines)
The Senate minority bloc on Monday offered conflicting viewpoints regarding the potential impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as the House of Representatives moves closer to a plenary vote on her removal.
Senator Robin Padilla stated that the minority might formally oppose the convening of the Senate into an impeachment court as part of their mandated parliamentary role.
“If we oppose, do not tell us that we are biased. That is the job of the minority. That is the parliamentary procedure that we must follow. That is what democracy says,” he said.
Padilla also expressed a preference for the Senate leadership to be aligned with the Vice President once the articles of impeachment are transmitted, though he denied any plans to challenge Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
While Padilla suggested a collective effort to block the trial, Senator Imee Marcos clarified that the minority has not yet reached a formal agreement on such a strategy.
Marcos noted that the bloc is already preparing for the inevitable arrival of the case, suggesting that the required votes for impeachment are easily attainable in the House.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that the group held a meeting on Monday but was unable to reach a consensus on the matter due to the absence of several members.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada also voiced his personal opposition to the proceedings, citing concerns over national stability while acknowledging the Senate’s duty to follow the law if the case progresses.
“I would prefer not to. Our country is already in chaos. I’ve said it time and again, I don’t want impeachment,” Estrada said.
The internal Senate discussions follow the House Committee on Justice’s recent approval of a report finding probable cause to impeach the Vice President on two separate complaints.
The articles of impeachment must now secure the support of at least one-third of the House membership before the Senate can be officially transformed into a high court for the trial. — Ram Superable
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