Members of the House prosecution panel on Friday underscored the need for senator-judges to remain impartial throughout the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying they must avoid any appearance of bias while carrying out their constitutional duty.
The prosecutors made the remarks during a press conference on Friday, August 7, after they were asked to react to comments made by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, who said some senator-judges appeared to be acting like lawyers during the proceedings. Castro also remarked that no one should "bring a broom to the Senate" to sweep the truth aside.
Responding to the issue, House Assistant Majority Leader and prosecution spokesperson Renee Co emphasized that there is a clear distinction between the roles of lawmakers, senator-judges, and the prosecution and defense teams.
Co said it is the responsibility of senator-judges to ask clarificatory questions to better understand the evidence and the proceedings.
"It's the job of the House Committee on Justice members, and I think with the senator-judges as well, to ask clarificatory questions. We want to better understand the evidence and the process for ourselves and for the Filipino people," Co said.
She stressed that the prosecution and defense are responsible for arguing their respective cases, while the senator-judges are tasked with seeking clarification whenever necessary.
"There is a distinction between our work and the work of the prosecution and defense to argue their respective sides. We hope that at the end of this process, everyone participates in finding out the truth and ensuring accountability from our public officials," she added.
Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, also a member of the prosecution panel, stressed that while senator-judges have every right to seek clarification on the evidence presented, they must not display bias during the trial.
"The judges must always be impartial and that will not show any bias. They should ask questions for clarification—not only for the Filipino people but also for themselves—because they are the ones who will render judgment," Barbers said.
He added that if any senator-judge appears to exhibit bias, the Senate's presiding officer should remind them of their responsibilities under the impeachment rules.
"In asking clarificatory questions, they should not show bias. If there are instances of that, I think they should be reminded by the presiding officer of the rules. They should take these duties to heart because this is a major issue that the entire nation is watching," Barbers said.
He also noted that the public is closely observing not only the prosecution, defense, and witnesses, but also the conduct of the senator-judges themselves.
"The whole nation is watching—not only the prosecution, the defense, and the witnesses—but also our senator-judges. I guess the presiding officer must remind them of their duties and to remain impartial in this issue," he said.
The House prosecution panel's remarks came amid continued scrutiny of the conduct of several senator-judges as the Senate impeachment court hears Article I of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte, which centers on the alleged misuse of confidential funds.
