Lacson: Senate should stay out of detained senators' bids to join Sara trial
Senator Panfilo Lacson has advised that the Senate should avoid intervening in the legal efforts of detained senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. Lacson warned that such interference could be perceived as undue pressure on the Sandiganbayan, which currently holds custody over the two senators.
Why it matters
The case highlights the separation of powers and the legal complexities involved when elected officials face criminal charges while attempting to fulfill their legislative duties.
MANILA, Philippines - The Senate and the impeachment court should leave it to detained Sens. Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada to seek permission from the Sandiganbayan if they want to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.
Lacson warned that any intervention by the Senate could be perceived as pressure on the anti-graft court, which has custody over the two senators as they face separate plunder cases.
"When we held a caucus, I voiced concern that we may be putting undue pressure on the Sandiganbayan. It is better to leave it to their lawyers to argue their cases if they want to participate via Zoom or online," Lacson said in a DZBB interview.
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