Palace: Impeachment verdict must be based on evidence, not politics

Malacañang on Thursday said it expects the Senate impeachment court to decide Vice President Sara Duterte’s case based on the evidence presented, stressing that protecting any politician despite substantial evidence would be a disservice to the Filipino people.

The impeachment court is scheduled to hold 92 trial days to hear the case against Duterte, with the first three days of proceedings concluding on Wednesday.

“The expectation is probably not only that of the Palace or the Executive, but also of the Filipino people. We expect, first and foremost, that they will uphold the law, conduct the hearings or trial in accordance with the established rules and procedures, and arrive at a decision based on the evidence,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

“This is for the benefit of the Filipino people, not to save a politician. Even if there is substantial evidence, if we still choose to protect that person, it would be a betrayal of the people,” she added.

Although Malacañang has no role in evaluating the impeachment proceedings, Castro said the trial has so far appeared to be progressing in an orderly manner.

“The President’s request in all circumstances is for everyone to follow the law and the proper process. Based on what we have seen and read, it appears that the hearings in the Senate are proceeding in an orderly manner," Castro said.

Meanwhile, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the impeachment trial would continue after the Supreme Court did not issue a temporary restraining order halting the proceedings.

The petition seeking to stop the trial was filed by lawyer Israelito Torreon and eight other lawyers allied with Duterte, who asked the high court to issue either a temporary restraining order or a status quo ante order following the election of Sen. Francis Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment court.

-Paraluman News