Sen. Robin Padilla on Thursday clarified his earlier remarks on neutrality in the justice system, a day after raising concerns over the credibility of prosecution witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement posted online Thursday morning, July 23, Padilla emphasized that justice must remain impartial and not favor any side.

“Ang hustisya po ay neutral!” Padilla said.

“Ang tungkulin ng prosecution (piskal) ay hindi para manalo, kundi para sa katotohanan at proteksyon ng inosente. Ang tungkulin naman ng defense (tagapagtanggol) ay ang pagtiyak sa karapatang pantao at balanse sa kapangyarihan,” he added.

Padilla issued the clarification after his statements during the ninth day of the impeachment trial on Wednesday, July 22, where he urged the prosecution panel to refrain from presenting witnesses with questionable credibility.

He also claimed that three of the prosecution’s witnesses were currently facing perjury complaints.

House prosecution lead Rep. Gerville Luistro disputed the claim, saying none of their witnesses have pending cases.

Luistro added that the presence of criminal charges does not automatically disqualify a witness unless there is a final conviction, the offense carries a penalty of more than one year, and involves moral turpitude.

“It is the senator-judge who must be neutral,” Luistro said, underscoring the role of members of the impeachment court.

The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, has adjourned proceedings and is set to resume on July 29, following the fifth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 27.