Senator-judge Robin Padilla stressed the importance of following the Constitution as the Senate impeachment court debates the voting threshold for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During the proceedings, Padilla reminded his fellow senator-judges that they had taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, warning against altering or circumventing its provisions without following the proper constitutional process.
“Ang Constitution ay hindi po pwedeng galawin. Hindi natin pwedeng gawan ng paraan,” Padilla said.
He argued that any changes to the Constitution should go through the appropriate constitutional amendment process, rather than being decided by the impeachment court.
Padilla also acknowledged his personal background while emphasizing his commitment to the country’s fundamental law.
“Ako po ay hindi nagmamagaling dito: Ako po ay ex-convict. Isa lang po ang gusto kong malaman po ninyong lahat. Hindi po ganyang kataas ang pinag-aralan ko. Pero ipaglalaban ko ang Konstitusyon na ito hanggang sa dulo ng aking buhay,” he said.
The exchange followed Tulfo’s call for the impeachment court to settle the voting issue “sooner than later,” particularly whether senators who are absent or beyond the Senate’s coercive jurisdiction should still be included in the voting base.
The issue remains subject to deliberation by the Senate impeachment court as it proceeds with the trial against Duterte.
