By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday affirmed the right of senator-judges to ask clarificatory questions during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying such inquiries are vital to understanding the evidence and issues before the court.
Gatchalian said questioning witnesses is part of the senators’ constitutional duty as members of the impeachment court and helps them make an informed decision based on the facts presented.
He recalled that during the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, then-Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who presided over the proceedings, allowed senator-judges broad discretion in asking clarificatory questions.
At the same time, Gatchalian recognized the reminders issued by presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who has urged senator-judges to avoid asking questions that may be considered improper during the trial.
The issue arose after Sen. Pia Cayetano questioned House prosecution private counsel Atty. Amado Ligutan on Tuesday about why Vice President Duterte’s alleged threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was being presented as evidence.
Ligutan replied that the statement was relevant because it allegedly showed intent and formed part of the prosecution’s case against the Vice President.
Escudero subsequently reminded senator-judges that questions should remain within the proper bounds of the proceedings and may be withdrawn if found to be inappropriate.
The presiding officer repeated the reminder during Wednesday’s hearing after members of the defense panel were asked whether Duterte’s alleged statements against the President could be considered justified under the circumstances.
The impeachment trial is set to continue next week with the presentation of additional witnesses by the prosecution.
ia/xf
