Estrada says claims barring him from Duterte impeach trial are ‘premature’

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Friday rejected claims that he can no longer participate as a senator-judge in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Estrada said the issue remains unresolved while proceedings involving his suspension in the Senate are still pending.

“The issue is far from settled,” Estrada said in a statement sent by his staff to Senate reporters.

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He noted that he has yet to file his comment and opposition in the suspension proceedings and avail himself of available legal remedies.

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“Until a final and binding ruling is rendered, any assertion that I have been stripped of my authority to discharge my constitutional duties as a senator-judge is premature, baseless and undermines the integrity of the impeachment process itself,” he said.

Estrada also criticized what he described as some individuals’ “sweeping pronouncements” regarding his participation in the impeachment trial.

“It is regrettable that some self-proclaimed legal experts appear more interested in shaping public opinion than in respecting the proper institutions and judicial processes tasked with resolving legal controversies,” he said.

He added that he had previously served as a senator-judge in an impeachment trial and is familiar with the rules, processes and responsibilities involved.

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The senator, who remains detained after his arrest over a non-bailable plunder charge, said he would continue to respect the legal process, defend his rights through lawful means, and perform his duties in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.

“I hope that, especially those in the legal profession, do not preempt matters that should be decided by the proper authorities with their own interpretations,” the senator said.

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The Senate is expected to begin the impeachment trial on July 6.

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