The Senate leadership is looking at Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan to take on a key procedural role in the anticipated impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted to the upper chamber.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said that Pangilinan is being considered as an “impeachment manager,” a position intended to help ensure orderly proceedings by guiding the chamber on legal and procedural issues during the trial.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum, Lacson said the role would be important in addressing questions that may arise on court procedure and legal interpretation once the Senate convenes as an impeachment court.
The Senate, he explained, will rely primarily on the Rules of Impeachment, but the Rules of Court may still be applied in a supplementary capacity, making legal expertise particularly useful in managing proceedings.
“Kasi si Sen. Zubiri, majority leader, hindi rin lawyer. So, we’re planning to appoint an impeachment manager. Think namin si Sen. Kiko para lawyer,” Lacson said.
He added that having a lawyer in the role would help streamline courtroom-style deliberations, especially when motions or objections require immediate interpretation.
“Halimbawa may question of law na pwedeng i-interpret kasi kailangan kabisado mo yung Rules of Court… So, mas mainam na yung merong lawyer na sanay sa trial para more or less, masi-signal-an niya si SP kung yung objection would be overruled or sustained,” he said.
Lacson noted that while Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri would still play a central role in managing proceedings, the absence of formal legal training among some key leaders makes it practical to assign a dedicated legal mind to assist the presiding officer.
He also mentioned Senator Pia Cayetano, a lawyer and member of the majority bloc, as another possible resource person in the process.
Although the proposal is still in the planning stage, Lacson said Senate President Vicente Sotto III has expressed openness to the idea.
“Sabi ko, I also agree kasi kailangan natin talaga mayroong legal mind,” he said.
The Senate is expected to formally organize itself as an impeachment court once the House of Representatives transmits the Articles of Impeachment, setting the stage for what could be a closely watched and procedurally complex trial.