HOUSE prosecution spokesperson, lawyer Antonio Bucoy, addressed concerns regarding perceived pro-Vice President Sara Duterte bias among some senator-judges in her ongoing impeachment trial.
While acknowledging accusations of bias, particularly against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Bucoy stated that the senators have sworn oaths to administer impartial justice and it remains to be seen if they will uphold their commitment.
Bucoy emphasized that the decision to recuse themselves from the trial rests solely with each senator-judge.
He noted that while specific grounds for recusal exist in regular courts, perceived bias falls under the individual judge’s discretion, a precedent also followed in impeachment proceedings.
The House prosecution is currently discussing the possibility of seeking the inhibition of senators perceived as biased, but Bucoy indicated that such action might delay the trial. He expressed confidence that the evidence presented would speak for itself, and the public would ultimately judge the senators’ impartiality.
Bucoy reiterated that the prosecution cannot direct the senators’ actions and that a gag order, as stipulated in the Senate impeachment rules, will soon be in effect, restricting public statements on the case’s merits from all parties involved.
He expressed hope that the evidence presented will sway even those senators perceived as pro-Duterte to render an impartial verdict, based solely on the evidence presented. Regarding Senator dela Rosa, Bucoy stated that if the senator disregards the evidence, the public will be the ultimate judge of his actions.
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