By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Jude Acidre has opposed proposals allowing senators to vote remotely during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that the constitutional process demands full physical presence from senator-judges.
The Tingog Party-list lawmaker said impeachment proceedings are too serious to be handled through virtual participation, especially when senator-judges are expected to evaluate evidence, witness credibility, and courtroom behavior firsthand.
His remarks came as tensions continue to rise inside the Senate over a controversial proposal that would permit remote participation during plenary sessions and voting.
According to Acidre, while digital platforms may work for regular legislative matters, impeachment proceedings require stricter standards because they involve the political and constitutional fate of the country’s second-highest official.
He argued that physical attendance is essential for senator-judges to properly observe witnesses’ demeanor, tone, reactions, and overall credibility during testimony — factors he believes could be weakened or lost entirely through online participation.
Acidre emphasized that voting in an impeachment trial carries enormous constitutional weight and should never be treated like routine remote work.
The debate over online participation escalated following reports that Sen. Ronald dela Rosa briefly appeared at the Senate amid concerns surrounding a possible arrest linked to proceedings before the International Criminal Court.
The issue has fueled suspicions among some lawmakers that efforts to allow remote participation may benefit senators facing legal complications or possible arrest.
Acidre, however, refused to directly speculate on motives, instead focusing on what he described as the need to preserve the integrity and credibility of the impeachment process.
The House leader also stressed that the House of Representatives of the Philippines will respect the Senate’s constitutional authority over the impeachment court while fulfilling its own role as prosecutor.
The House earlier voted overwhelmingly to impeach Duterte and transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, where lawmakers will eventually sit as judges in a historic trial that could determine whether the Vice President remains in office.
Acidre said the best path forward is for the Senate to hear the case fully, transparently, and fairly to maintain public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
As debates over online participation continue to divide lawmakers, the looming impeachment trial is fast becoming not only a political battle — but also a test of how far constitutional rules can bend in the digital age.
ia/xf
