Philippine Senator Lacson on Friday called on the Senate impeachment court, advising both the prosecution and defense to refrain from publicly commenting on the substantive content of the case against Vice President Sara Duterte before the impeachment trial begins, in order to safeguard the fairness and integrity of the proceedings.
In a statement, Lacson said that although the impeachment hearing has yet to officially commence on July 6, a “trial by public opinion” surrounding the case has already begun, making it necessary to prevent the case from being excessively sensationalized in the public arena.
He said the impeachment court should remind both prosecution and defense legal teams to avoid making public statements regarding substantive matters of the case.
“Before the official start of the impeachment proceedings, another trial by public opinion has already begun. The impeachment court should advise both sides to refrain from publicly commenting on the substantive aspects of the current case.”
As one of the impeachment trial judges, Lacson pointed out that his concerns are confined to the substantive issues of the case itself and do not include procedural matters or information intended to help the public understand the impeachment process.
He said, “My concern is with the substantive content of the case, not procedural matters or information meant for public awareness.”
The pre-trial procedures for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte concluded on Thursday, during which the House prosecution team, the defense legal team, and the impeachment court’s clerk completed evidence marking and witness identification.
Senate Secretary and Impeachment Court Clerk Renato Bantug previously stated that before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, impeachment hearings would be held every Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m.
After the State of the Nation Address, the hearing schedule will be adjusted to every Tuesday to Thursday at 2 p.m.
He said the impeachment court should remind both prosecution and defense legal teams to avoid making public statements regarding substantive matters of the case.
“Before the official start of the impeachment proceedings, another trial by public opinion has already begun. The impeachment court should advise both sides to refrain from publicly commenting on the substantive aspects of the current case.”
As one of the impeachment trial judges, Lacson pointed out that his concerns are confined to the substantive issues of the case itself and do not include procedural matters or information intended to help the public understand the impeachment process.
He said, “My concern is with the substantive content of the case, not procedural matters or information meant for public awareness.”
The pre-trial procedures for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte concluded on Thursday, during which the House prosecution team, the defense legal team, and the impeachment court’s clerk completed evidence marking and witness identification.
Senate Secretary and Impeachment Court Clerk Renato Bantug previously stated that before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, impeachment hearings would be held every Monday to Wednesday at 2 p.m.
After the State of the Nation Address, the hearing schedule will be adjusted to every Tuesday to Thursday at 2 p.m.