VP trial: Senator Lacson wants Senator Padilla to clarify his 'disregard for law' comment

Senator-Judge Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday urged Senator-Judge Robinhood Padilla to clarify whether his recent warnings regarding a “disregard for the law” were directed at the entire impeachment court or specific members.

Lacson issued the challenge after Padilla warned that he and his allies might boycott the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio if what he characterized as a disregard for legal procedures continues.

Lacson noted that if Padilla’s statement was aimed at the full Senate—of which Padilla is a member—it risks undermining the tribunal's integrity.

"I don’t know what Sen. Padilla meant by 'disregard for law' or if he was referring to the entire impeachment court, where he is also a member," Lacson said. "If so, won't his remarks be considered a direct assault on the integrity of the court?"

Lacson added that if Padilla was targeting only specific colleagues, he should name them rather than making broad allegations.

"It is only fair that he clarify whether 'disregard for law' refers to the entire impeachment court or just a few members," Lacson said. "If it is the latter, I hope he names them."

In a radio interview on Sunday, Padilla warned that he and his allies might abstain from future proceedings over unexpected trial developments and alleged misinterpretations of the law.

"There may come a point when we will no longer attend," Padilla said.

The warning follows a petition filed with the Supreme Court by Padilla, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and their party, PDP-Laban, challenging the Senate impeachment court’s ruling on its voting threshold.

-Paraluman News