Chua, Co question Estrada’s role if absent from impeachment trial

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. (John Eric Mendoza/Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — House prosecutors on Friday questioned whether Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada could effectively perform his duties as a senator-judge in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial if he could not physically attend the proceedings and observe witnesses firsthand.

House Prosecutor Joel Chua of Manila and impeachment trial spokesperson Renee Co of Kabataan Party-list raised the issue during the launch of Bantay Impeachment at Claret School in UP Village, Quezon City.

Article continues after this advertisement

Chua said a senator-judge’s role goes beyond reviewing records or following proceedings remotely, stressing the importance of personally observing witnesses during testimony.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“Well, this is just my personal opinion, but how can he participate in the impeachment trial if he could not be physically present in the hearings? How can he assess whether a witness being questioned by both the prosecution and the defense is telling the truth or lying? How can he observe the witness’ manner, conduct, and the way he or she answers questions?” Chua said.

More than 120 representatives from anti-corruption watchdogs, civil society organizations, people’s organizations, church groups, youth formations, and concerned citizens gathered at the event to formally launch Bantay Impeachment, a citizen-led watchdog campaign promoting accountability, transparency, and public participation in the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

Organizers said the launch comes amid public concern over uncertainties surrounding the impeachment trial, including the Senate’s leadership issues and efforts by some groups to delay or weaken the constitutional process.

Participants stressed that impeachment is a constitutional mechanism for public accountability and ensuring that no public official is above the law.

Article continues after this advertisement

The impeachment trial is expected to require senator-judges to evaluate testimonial and documentary evidence related to allegations against Duterte, including issues involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against high-ranking officials.

Chua clarified that preventive suspension does not constitute a finding of guilt but temporarily restricts an official from carrying out official functions.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Preventive suspension does not mean he is already guilty. But the fact that there is a preventive suspension means that, temporarily, he cannot function as such,” Chua said.

Co noted that the Senate’s impeachment rules remain unchanged and that there is no reason to believe current restrictions affecting Estrada’s participation would no longer apply once the trial begins.

“I would just like to add that the Senate rules on impeachment have not changed and, absent any session before July 6, we have no reason to believe that the current impeachment rules, which place limitations on Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s participation, will not prevail,” Co said.

Co also argued that physical attendance is essential in an impeachment trial because credibility and the weight of testimony are best assessed in person.

“That is the formal answer, but from our perspective as representatives of the youth, we know the difference between online or hybrid learning and face-to-face classes,” she said.

“If the quality of participation is what is being questioned here, nothing beats physical presence. In the eyes of the public, a senator-judge should be there to ensure meaningful participation in the impeachment trial,” she added.

The issue of participation comes as the Senate has yet to resolve other matters related to the impeachment court, including who will preside over the proceedings.

Asked whether senators had already chosen a presiding officer, Chua said the matter was for the Senate to decide.

“The senators can answer that because that is an internal matter. As far as I know, they have not yet made a choice,” Chua said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

“Let us wait for the start of the impeachment hearing on July 6. We will see who takes the seat,” he added. /dm