DEPUTY Speaker and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin on Wednesday called “highly improper” a reported request by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s camp for the Senate to shoulder the defense panel’s catering and other expenses during the impeachment trial, saying it could be construed as disrespectful to the impeachment court and insulting to the Senate.
“I find it highly improper kasi may opisina rin naman ang ating Pangalawang Pangulo, and they can actually charge all those expenses to their office,” Garin said during a press briefing.
Garin was asked about a reported letter signed by Duterte requesting that the Senate cover the cost of the defense’s catering and other logistical needs while allowing it to use its own caterer because of alleged security concerns.
She said she had not seen the letter but stressed that while the defense has every right to choose its own caterer, it is inappropriate to ask the Senate to pay for those expenses.
Garin said the prosecution, the defense and the impeachment court should maintain their independence from one another, adding that asking the court to shoulder one party’s expenses is unusual.
The Deputy Speaker also described the reported request as “funny,” saying such an arrangement does not ordinarily happen in court proceedings.
Garin further warned that the reported request could be misinterpreted as a sign of disrespect toward the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.
She likewise took issue with the reported justification that the defense wanted its own caterer because of security concerns, saying it unnecessarily cast doubt on the Senate’s ability to ensure the safety of everyone inside its premises.
“So ‘yung isa lang kasi doon, ‘yung pagdududahan mo ang Senado na baka mamaya may lason ‘yung ipapakain sa mga tao, medyo maiinsulto ang ating Senado diyan,” she said.
She added that no reasonable person would believe anyone would attempt to poison guests inside the Senate.
metrosundaily
