HOUSE prosecutor and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno on Sunday stressed that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte must be decided based on evidence and not on politics, amid speculation about how senator-judges may ultimately vote.
In a radio interview, Diokno dismissed claims circulating on social media that members of the Senate impeachment court have already reached a decision on the case even before the presentation of evidence begins.
“Ay wala pa namang ganyan. Hindi pa nga nagsisimula ang paglilitis ng kaso,” Diokno told dzBB’s Bantay Balita sa Kongreso hosted by Nimfa Ravelo and Isa Avendaño-Umali.
The lawmaker said the Senate impeachment rules require senator-judges to approach the proceedings with political neutrality.
“Ang nakalagay sa ating impeachment rules ng Senado ay lahat ng mahistrado, mga senator-judge, kailangan mag-observe ng una, political neutrality,” Diokno said.
“Ibig sabihin ay walang kulay na politika na dapat na papasok sa kanilang pagdinig at sa kanilang pagpapasya,” he added.
Diokno also pointed out that the rules likewise require senator-judges to remain impartial and objective in assessing the evidence and testimony that will be presented during the trial.
“Pangalawa, bilang mahistrado ay kailangan impartial at objective. Ibig sabihin patas dapat ang kanilang mindset,” he said.
The House prosecutor said these safeguards are essential to preserving public confidence in the impeachment process, particularly as the Senate prepares to hear one of the most consequential constitutional cases in recent years.
Diokno made the remarks when asked about claims that some senator-judges had supposedly already decided the outcome of the case before the trial proper begins.
The Senate impeachment court is set to start hearing the case on July 6 after the completion of pre-trial proceedings.
Meanwhile, Diokno said the House prosecution panel would respect whatever decision the Senate makes regarding the selection of the presiding officer for the impeachment trial.
“Bilang prosecutor, irerespeto namin kung ano man ang magiging desisyon ng Senado pagdating sa kung sino man ang mauupong presiding officer sa trial,” he said.
He noted that the Senate has yet to make a final determination on the matter.
