Detained Senator Marcoleta seeks to have vote counted in VP Duterte impeachment trial

Detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta has asked the Senate impeachment court to recognize his vote in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte despite his inability to physically attend the trial.

Presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero disclosed on Monday that Marcoleta submitted a letter of manifestation requesting that his vote be counted, citing a rule reportedly adopted during the impeachment trial of former President Joseph Estrada that allowed senators who could not personally attend proceedings to cast their votes under certain circumstances.

“During the Estrada impeachment trial, a rule was adopted—which we are confirming—that allows the Senate president to provide a mechanism by which a senator who cannot vote under any unavoidable circumstances [can] cast his vote on any matter,” said Escudero.

Escudero, however, said the request involves the rules governing the impeachment court and therefore must first be acted upon by the Senate in its legislative capacity, which has the authority to amend those rules.

“Since this impinges upon the rules of the impeachment court, this matter should be properly taken up by the Senate as a legislative body,” said Escudero.

“And whatever decision the Senate will have as a legislative body, the court shall implement it,” he added.

The presiding officer nevertheless said he was generally receptive to Marcoleta's proposal, provided the senator is not under suspension.

Despite being detained, Marcoleta remains a sitting senator. He is currently being held at the New Quezon City Jail after being charged with non-bailable plunder before the Sandiganbayan.

-Paraluman News