Representative-elect Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party List called on senator-judges displaying partiality in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to voluntarily inhibit themselves from the proceedings.
The former senator claimed that there are clear legal grounds for disqualification based on public statements and actions by some senators showing allegiance to Duterte.
She cited instances where senators publicly expressed support for the Vice President and even accompanied her on international trips during the height of the impeachment proceedings.
De Lima specifically mentioned Senators Imee Marcos and Robin Padilla, who allegedly joined Duterte in Kuala Lumpur despite their roles in the Senate impeachment court.
The issue sparked criticism from civil society groups, legal experts, and the academic community, especially after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa filed a motion to dismiss the case.
According to De Lima, some senators appear to act more as defenders than impartial judges, given their statements favoring the Vice President.
She clarified that the prosecution cannot compel any senator-judge to recuse themselves but emphasized that publicly supporting Duterte as the next president constitutes a breach of judicial conduct.
De Lima added that a senator’s decision to inhibit should stem from personal conscience and a commitment to judicial decorum.
When asked about public sentiment surrounding the trial, De Lima stressed that the people have a right to the full truth, which must not be withheld.