Senator Robin Padilla has called for strict adherence to due process in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that all procedural steps must be followed.
In an interview on the Bilyonaryo News Channel, Padilla said the case must first go through the House plenary before proceeding to the Senate, warning against shortcuts that could undermine the legal process.
“Hindi puwedeng laktawan ang proseso. Kailangan dumaan sa tamang proseso. Paulit-ulit na sinabi ng Korte Suprema ang kahalagahan ng due process. Kapag nilundagan natin ito, wala na namang pupuntahan kundi sayang sa oras at pera ng taumbayan,” he said.
Padilla also questioned whether impeachment is the most appropriate response to the country’s challenges, urging lawmakers to focus on pressing socioeconomic issues such as wages.
“Ang tanong—iyan ba talaga ang solusyon sa problema ng bayan? Bakit hindi natin pag-usapan ang sahod ng tao? Halimbawa ang minimum wage. Iyan ang tunay na problema ng mamamayan,” he added.
On former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Padilla said the former leader was justified in issuing a public video statement to address political controversy, noting that public perception can quickly form without clarification.
“Sa Pilipinas kasi, nauuna ang trial by publicity. Kapag nanahimik ka, magmumukha kang ikaw ang may kasalanan,” he said, adding that Romualdez merely explained the budget process and did not appear to incriminate himself.
“Siguro naramdaman niya na kailangan na niyang magsalita. Kung hindi siya kikilos, baka siya ang tuluyang malubog,” he added.
Padilla also addressed speculation about possible future political alliances, including a potential tandem with Vice President Duterte. He said some may not support him in a higher executive role due to his strong stance on law enforcement and criminal justice.
“Hindi ako gugustuhin ng marami na maging vice president. Dahil kung ako ang tatanungin, mas magiging mahigpit ako sa kriminalidad, baka mas higpit pa kaysa kay dating Pangulong Duterte,” he said.
The senator reiterated his support for stricter crime policies, including the revival of the death penalty, citing the continued presence of lawless elements in society.
Commenting on the broader political climate, Padilla likened current developments to a television drama but urged officials and the public to remain focused on pressing national issues.
“Parang teleserye na ang politika ngayon. Maraming scriptwriter, maraming artista. Pero sana huwag nating kalimutan ang tunay na problema ng bayan,” he said.