Tag: impeachment trial

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Lacson: Time for Senate to Do Right, Restore Dignity

After the Senate itself emerged as the biggest casualty of last Wednesday’s shooting incident, senators must now do what is right to restore its dignity, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Friday.

Lacson said a positive step forward is the Senate’s planned convening into an impeachment court for the case of Vice President Sara Duterte, adding irresponsible insinuations from some senators must end.

“We landed in the international news for the wrong reasons. It was ugly – the shooting in the Philippine Senate as breaking news. So it is time to recover. The word Senate stems from the word ‘senatus’ meaning wise, mature men. So moving forward, we must do what is right and not show immaturity that will worsen the situation,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on True FM.

“As senators we henceforth must self-reflect individually and collectively to perform our duty,” he added. “Moving forward, our focus should be to redeem the Senate from its present situation.”

In Filipino: Lacson: Oras na para Gawin ang Tama at Ibalik ang Dignidad ng Senado

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Lacson: Senate Must Heed Law Deans’ Call to Proceed with Impeachment Trial

The Senate should heed the call of law deans to proceed with the possible impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte not just because it comes from some of the country’s foremost legal minds, but because it is a constitutional mandate, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Tuesday.

Lacson was referring to the statement of law deans and professors from leading Philippine law schools that refusing to convene as an impeachment court may expose senators to administrative and criminal liability.

“Not only is this a powerful statement coming from powerful legal minds of the country which the Senate should take seriously, but more importantly, it is what the Constitution unequivocally provides,” he said.

In Filipino: Lacson: Senado, Dapat Pakinggan ang Panawagan ng Mga Law Dean Para Ituloy ang Impeachment Trial

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Lacson to Oppose Motions to Halt Convening of Senate as Impeachment Court

If such a situation arises, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is prepared to oppose and vote against any motion to stop or delay the Senate’s convening as an impeachment court for the possible case of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Lacson also stressed that the Constitution and its legal mechanisms are in place to address any possible issues related to a potential impeachment trial, including moves to block the Senate from convening as an impeachment court.

“For context, I did not say I will not oppose and vote against any motion to stop or delay the convening of the Senate into an impeachment court, if it comes to that. That said, the Senate is a collegial, deliberative body that is always ruled by the vote of the majority,” he said in a post on X.

“If this constitutional issue arises, the Supreme Court may intervene to compel the Senate to perform our constitutional duty,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson, Tututulan ang Mosyong Pipigil sa Pag-Convene ng Senado Bilang Impeachment Court

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Lacson Sees June Start for Possible VP Impeachment Trial

The Senate may convene as an impeachment court immediately after receiving the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, but the trial proper may not begin until June, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Saturday.

Lacson said that while Senate President Vicente Sotto III wants to convene the impeachment court at once, at least three weeks may be needed for procedures such as the issuance of summons and reply, and a preliminary conference for purposes of stipulations and possible marking of evidence before the trial starts.

“Once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted to us, if we follow the processes, we’re talking of at least three weeks before the actual trial starts,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DZMM radio.

In Filipino: Lacson: Maaaring sa Hunyo pa Magsimula ang Posibleng VP Impeachment Trial

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Lacson: Senate Financially ‘Able and Ready’ for Possible VP Duterte Impeachment Trial

The Senate is financially “able and ready” for the possible impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, Senate President Pro Tempore and Senate Accounts Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Tuesday.

Lacson said only P500,000 had been spent out of a P27-million allocation under the 2025 General Appropriations Act when the House transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate at the time.

“There’s at least P27 million under the 2025 GAA, from which around P500,000 was spent when last year’s Articles of Impeachment against VP Duterte was transmitted to the Senate,” he said.

“Since the fund is good for two years under ‘continuing appropriations,’ the Senate is financially able and ready to conduct the trial if and when the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted,” he added.

In Filipino: Lacson: Senado, ‘Able and Ready’ Para sa Posibleng Impeachment Trial kay VP Duterte

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