THE House prosecution panel on Tuesday suggested to the Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, to allow more journalists inside the courtroom to cover the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to fight the spread of fake news and disinformation.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua, a public prosecutor, also backed the proposal to move the trial from morning to afternoon so more Filipinos can directly follow the proceedings instead of relying on misleading online narratives.
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Chua made the call when asked at a press conference how much of the senator-judges’ conduct and demeanor can actually be observed by the public.
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“Ang impeachment trial naman po ay open to the public at ito naman ay nakikita ng publiko kaya lang ay siguro mas maganda ‘yung oras ay baguhin dahil ang oras medyo alanganin,” he said, adding that the hearing should start at 3:00 p.m. instead of 10:00 a.m.
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While the impeachment trial is aired on national TV and livestreamed, physical access inside the chamber remains controlled.
The proceedings are also being held during hours when many people are at work or in school.
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Chua said a later schedule would make it easier for the public to watch longer portions of the actual testimony.
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“So para mas maging aware inaantay nga po namin ang suhestiyon ng ating Presiding Officer (Sen. Francis Escudero) at ito po ay ibabalik sa alas 3 hanggang pababa ng sa ganun ay mas marami ang makasaksi, mas marami ang makapanood at ng sa ganun ay hindi po tayo nalilinlang ng mga naglalabasan mga fake news,” he said.
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The House prosecutor also acknowledged concerns that television coverage does not always show the reactions, attention, and conduct of senator-judges throughout the proceedings.
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“Well, I agree with you kaya nga siguro mas maganda ito ay isa-publiko at mas marami ang mae-entertain na mga legitimate na media sa loob ng Impeachment Court,” Chua said.
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While he acknowledged the Senate’s concern that unrestricted access could disrupt the solemnity and order of the constitutional trial, he said the need to maintain order should be balanced against the public’s right to know what is actually taking place.
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“Pero siyempre karapatan din talaga ng publiko na malaman kung ano talaga ang nangyayari sa loob ng Impeachment Trial,” he said.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, a spokesman for the prosecution, backed Chua’s call for greater public accessibility while also recognizing legitimate security concerns.
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“It has to be accessible itong ginagawa po sa Impeachment Court dahil ito namang Impeachment Court ay dikta naman po ito ng Konstitusyon, and therefore it is actually owned by the people in terms of assuring that ‘yung accountability mechanisms is being practiced well and alive dito sa ating bansa,” he said.
