Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo raised concerns over the enforcement of time limits during questioning on the ninth day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, July 22, saying reminders should be applied equally to all senator-judges.

Tulfo questioned why some senators were given additional time to continue their interjections while others were immediately reminded once their allotted time expired.

“Bakit pag sa kabila pinapayagan sila 5-10 minutes, bakit pag sa amin, sa majority, kina-cut agad, ni-remind pagdating ng bago, pagdating ng 2 minutes? I think nakakalata na kami,” Tulfo said.

He emphasized that the time rules should be applied consistently regardless of which senator is speaking.

“So dapat pag sinabing 2 minutes, 2 minutes. Pag sa amin, sa majority, pag 2 minutes, pinipindot ng pinipindot nito. Pero pag sa minority, umabot na ng 5 minutes, 10 minutes. At meron akong record diyan,” he added.

Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero responded by clarifying that the impeachment court does not recognize a majority or minority bloc, as all senators serve as judges in the proceedings.

“The Chair would like to point out that in the impeachment court, there is no majority nor minority. We are all senator-judges,” Escudero said.

Escudero also explained that he allowed Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson additional time earlier to finish his point, which led to his reminder for Senator Robin Padilla to conclude his questioning after his allotted time had lapsed.

Tulfo reiterated that his concern was not directed at any specific senator but focused on ensuring fairness in implementing the rules.

“I respect you, Mr. President. Ang sa akin lang, kahit na sino senador, kapag dating na ng two minutes, pinipindutan ng bell. Ako ilang beses na ako pinipindutan ng bell,” Tulfo said.

Following the discussion, Escudero instructed the clerk of court and the bell ringer to ensure consistent reminders for all senator-judges regarding their allotted time.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano also acknowledged Tulfo’s concern, saying that while flexibility was needed to allow senators to properly ask questions, the rules should still be followed.

Escudero said the points raised by both Tulfo and Cayetano would be taken into consideration by the impeachment court.