A House impeachment trial spokesman warned that allowing senators to participate and vote remotely in Senate proceedings could weaken public confidence in the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The solon questioned proposals to expand remote participation in the Senate, saying an impeachment trial demands the physical presence of senator-judges who must personally hear testimony, examine evidence, and assess accountability under the Constitution.
In an interview, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong compared the possible use of remote participation in the impeachment trial to the learning setbacks seen during pandemic-era online classes.
“Nung ina-allow po ‘yung Zoom classes, medyo bumaba po ‘yung kalidad ng ating mga estudyante,” Adiong said.
He said the country is still addressing the effects of remote learning through reforms being studied by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), where he also sits as a member.
“That’s why ito po ‘yung mga ginagawa na panukala ng EDCOM II na ma-address itong problema na epekto ng pandemic dahil sa mga remote participation, remote classes via Zoom,” he said.
He said the same concern applies with greater force to an impeachment trial, where the Senate sits as an impeachment court and senator-judges are expected to personally evaluate the evidence and proceedings.
“Imagine in the Senate, imagine in the impeachment court. Ang pinag-uusapan po dito Constitution,” he said.
He stressed that even high-ranking elected officials remain subject to the accountability mechanisms provided by the Constitution.
“No matter how high you have obtained in terms of the positions that you were elected to, ay hindi nangangahulugan na hindi ka aabutin ng accountability mechanism ng ating Constitution,” he said.
Adiong said physical attendance is critical because trial proceedings require judges to observe witnesses directly, including their demeanor, manner of speaking, and overall disposition during examination.
“In a trial court, kasi ‘pag nandun po ‘yung testigo dyan sa witness stand, the judge also examines and observes the mannerism, ‘yung kanyang pananalita ‘pag kino-cross-examine ito,” he said.
“Importante din po ‘yung kanyang kabuuan na disposition during the cross-examination or pag-presentation ng mga evidence,” he added.
The remarks came amid tensions in the Senate over a proposal to amend its rules and allow senators to participate remotely for “justifiable reasons,” beyond the current limitations of force majeure or national emergencies.
The proposal triggered heated debates and a walkout by minority senators, who accused the majority bloc of rushing the amendment ahead of Duterte’s impeachment trial.