Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers
Another former lawmaker has opposed proposals to allow senator-judges to participate or vote online in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that the move could undermine the integrity of the proceedings.
Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who is also a Quad Committee chairman, said remote participation should not be allowed if the intent is to accommodate senators who may be unable to attend physically because of legal issues they are facing or may soon face, rather than for medical reasons or genuine emergencies.
“The proponents want this amendment to extend to the Impeachment Court internal rules. This proposal betrays the intention of some members to accommodate other members who may not be able to physically attend sessions, not due to medical reasons but in anticipation of their absence in relation to the cases that they may be facing or about to face,” the former lawmaker said.
He said some senators appear to be pushing the proposal to protect colleagues whose votes may serve a political agenda even before evidence is presented in the impeachment court.
“Obviously, some Senators want to protect the others and use the latter’s predictable inclinations in furtherance of their agenda, without regard to the still to be presented solid evidence,” he added.
He noted that the proponents may be relying on the current Senate majority, which he claimed is aligned with the members who could benefit from the proposed rule change.
Barbers said several current and former House members who supported the impeachment of Duterte have called on the Senate to reject any resolution allowing attendance or voting through video conferencing or other digital platforms during the trial.
He stressed that an impeachment trial is a solemn constitutional function of the Senate sitting as an impeachment court. Senator-judges, he said, must personally see and hear the witnesses, evidence, and arguments of both the prosecution and defense.
He also noted that the physical examination of documents and material evidence, as well as the personal observation of witnesses, is necessary for senator-judges to make an informed decision based on facts, testimonies, and legal arguments.
“Actual and active physical participation in the trial is the kind of respect due the Impeachment Court. If the Senator-Judge respects the processes and the sanctity of the trial, he must take it upon himself to attend physically,” Barbers said.
“He owes it to the people to discharge his duty and responsibility in the best manner. The only exception should be for medical reasons,” he added.