Senator Lacson wants prosecution, defense to avoid public debate on VP Duterte impeachment merits

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Friday urged the Senate impeachment court to advise both the prosecution and defense panels to avoid making public statements about the merits of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, saying the issue should be resolved inside the courtroom—not in public discourse.

Lacson, who will sit as one of the senator-judges when the impeachment trial opens on July 6, said public commentary on the substance of the case could undermine the integrity of the proceedings.

"Even before the impeachment trial begins on July 6, a separate trial before the bar of public opinion is already ongoing. The impeachment court should advise both the prosecution and defense panels to refrain from openly commenting on the merits of the case at bar," he said on X.

He clarified that his appeal applies only to discussions about the evidence and substantive issues in the case, and not to explanations of procedural matters that could help the public better understand the impeachment process.

"Merits of the case lang ang concern ko (My only concern is the merits of the case); nothing to do with the process and other similar points of information that the public may appreciate," he said.

Lacson issued the statement a day after the Senate impeachment court concluded its pre-trial proceedings, during which the House prosecution panel, Duterte's defense team, and the Office of the Impeachment Clerk of Court completed the marking of evidence and identification of witnesses.

Senate Secretary and Impeachment Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. earlier said the presentation of evidence could span a total of 92 trial days, based on the parties' projections. The prosecution expects to complete its presentation in 62 trial days, while the defense estimates it will need 30 trial days.

The impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on July 6, with hearings to be held every Monday through Wednesday, according to Bantug.

-Paraluman News