The Senate impeachment court must preserve accountability, transparency, and public trust by requiring senator-judges to physically attend the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a House impeachment trial spokesman said.
Kabataan Rep. Renee Co raised concern over proposals to allow online participation and voting in the impeachment proceedings, saying virtual attendance cannot replace the value of direct, in-person participation in a constitutional trial.
“Iba po talaga ‘yung physical participation. Hindi niya made-defeat ng virtual participation ‘yung andyan ka physically,” she said in a radio interview.
She said senator-judges must be present in the chamber to personally observe witnesses, assess their answers, and examine their demeanor during questioning.
“Kailangan makita mo ‘yung non-verbal language, ‘yung expressions na may limitasyon talaga na gagawin ‘yan kung online participation,” she emphasized.
She compared the issue to the continuing push for face-to-face learning, where online systems may serve a purpose but cannot fully replace settings that require focus, direct observation, and full engagement.
She said impeachment is not an ordinary proceeding and demands the complete participation of senator-judges.
“Napakahalaga po talaga kung andyan physically ang mga senator-judges,” she said.
The House impeachment trial spokesperson also warned against changing Senate rules in response to a senator’s refusal or failure to face pending legal proceedings.
She said the legal situation of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa should first be resolved before discussions proceed on how any rule changes may affect his participation in the impeachment trial.
“Kailangan lang pong boluntaryong pagsuko ni Sen Bato. Kailangan mangyari ‘yun before any discussion of senate rules and how it will affect his participation,” Co said.
She added that detained senators in the past had limited participation in legislative work and were not allowed to take part in proceedings through online means in the manner now being proposed.
“Maybe nakapag-file sila ng bills, pero hindi ang extent ng participation na gusto po na gawin sa pag-amyenda ng rules,” she said.
She noted the House prosecution panel is preparing for different scenarios, but stressed that the trial must proceed promptly and fairly.
“Ang puno’t dulo na gusto natin mangyari ang paglilitis forthwith and gusto natin mangyari siya in a fair manner,” she said.