Bam eyes public release of Sara Duterte impeachment trial evidence

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bam Aquino announced Sunday that he plans to file a motion seeking the public release of all evidence presented in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

The senator disclosed his intent a day prior to the commencement of Duterte’s impeachment trial on Monday, July 6.

“In the first week, we will file a motion to release all presented evidence to the public,” the senator said in a statement.

READ: Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Everything you need to know

In the same statement, he advised Filipinos to keep a watchful eye on the proceedings.

“To our countrymen: watch, be vigilant, and participate. Form your own opinions and be careful of misinformation,” Aquino added.

He noted the weight of an impeachment trial, saying “Removing an elected official is not a simple matter because impeachment changes the choice of the majority of voters.”

“The grounds for impeachment are also heavy: Graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and high crimes” he continued.

READ: VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to show evidence of plot to assassinate first

Evidence vs Sara Duterte to be broken down

With this, Aquino, who will serve as a senator-judge during the impeachment trial, vowed thoroughness and fairness in the upcoming proceedings.

“Here’s our promise: We will break down the evidence. We will ensure the judgment will be fair. No colors, no friends, no enemies. And we will vote based on the evidence,” he said.

READ: Impeachment court summons Sara Duterte to first day of her trial

Duterte’s trial will begin on Monday at 2 p.m. over alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery of Department of Education officials, and death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. /dl

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