Senator Robin Padilla, on Monday, during the seventh day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, clarified that he had already submitted his counter-affidavit before the Office of the Ombudsman, rejecting claims that he failed to comply with the agency’s directive.
Padilla made the statement after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said that the senator had not responded to the office’s order requiring the submission of his counter-affidavit.
Addressing his fellow senator-judges, Padilla said he was saddened by reports suggesting that he was not following the law, emphasizing that he had complied with the Ombudsman’s requirement.
“Lumabas po sa mga balita na may alegasyon na ako daw po ay hindi sumusunod sa batas. Ito po ay nakalulungkot para sa isang senador, sa isang senator-judge, ang masabihan na hindi sumusunod sa batas,” Padilla said.
He presented the original copy of his submitted counter-affidavit and assured the Senate that he had fulfilled his obligation.
“Dahil ginagalang ko po ang Ombudsman, dahil siya po ay aking kaibigan na itinuturing… nag-file po kami. Ito po ang original, nakalagay po dito, nag-file ako,” Padilla said.
The senator also addressed his stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying he would not submit to the ICC’s jurisdiction but would continue to respect Philippine institutions.
“Kung ICC lang hindi po talaga ako susunod, hindi ako magpapasakop sa ICC. Pero dahil ginagalang ko po ang Ombudsman… nag-file po kami,” he added.
Padilla further appealed to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who presides over the impeachment court, to allow senator-judges to clarify their side whenever controversies arise.
“Hinihingi ko po na tulungan din po ninyo kami. Na maipaliwanag din po namin sa media na meron din po kaming pagkakataon na ipagtanggol din ang aming sarili at kami huwag husgahan kaagad,” Padilla said.
The senator ended his manifestation by assuring his colleagues that he had not intended to put the Senate in a difficult position.
“Maaari ko po kayong bigyan ng kopya, mga mahal kong kasama, para patunayan na hindi ko po kayo ilalagay sa kahihiyan. Ako po ay nag-submit ng aking counter-affidavit,” Padilla said.
Padilla’s statement came as the Senate continued the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, with senator-judges deliberating on motions, evidence, and other matters related to the trial.
