A House impeachment trial spokesperson challenged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to personally attend the expected Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying lawmakers are expected to physically show up for proceedings involving constitutional accountability.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said Dela Rosa should bring the same determination he reportedly showed during the recent Senate leadership vote, when he forced his way into the Senate premises despite security restrictions.
“Let us remember, physical presence is important in legislation. The rules to require physical presence of legislators were actually intended to inculcate among members the deep commitment to good work,” Adiong said.
Adiong said the senator’s reported effort to enter the Senate during the leadership change showed the kind of commitment expected from lawmakers when they participate in important legislative matters.
“That is the kind of commitment that we expect from the senators, to be able to participate in legislative matters, especially if they are deciding on a very important subject matter,” he said.
“But that kind of commitment should be applied to all other legislative work that the Senate would indulge itself in. It does not only require that kind of commitment when there is a decision to change the leadership,” he added.
Adiong made the statement amid discussions on whether senators should be allowed to participate and vote online during Senate proceedings, an issue expected to affect the upcoming impeachment trial.
He warned that allowing virtual participation could weaken both the discipline required of lawmakers and the public’s expectation that elected officials should personally take part in major proceedings.
“The trust and confidence that they expect you to be there and to meticulously examine any proposals, whether this is on the issue of impeachment or just the ordinary legislative business,” Adiong said.
“People expect us to be there,” he added.
The issue has gained attention because Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with the previous administration’s drug war.
Another House trial spokesperson, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co, earlier said Dela Rosa should first surrender before the Senate takes up any rule change on online voting.
“So dumadagdag po talaga ‘yung interpretation and even ‘yung clamor ng legal authorities na kailangan lang pong boluntaryong pagsuko ni Sen. Bato,” Co said.
“Kailangan mangyari ‘yun before any discussion of Senate rules and how it will affect his participation,” she added.
House prosecutors have maintained that the Senate impeachment trial should be conducted with full transparency and physical participation, given the constitutional weight of the proceedings.