By Kevin Pilapil
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday said some senator-judges have already shown their respective political biases during the Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial before judgment by the court.
“Unfortunately, some of the senator-judges have shown their color since day one and that is not good,” Drilon said on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “On Point” program.
“You may have already your political inclinations, but for public interest, you should not make it obvious,” he added.
His remarks followed the reminder from Sen. Francis Escudero, the impeachment court’s presiding officer, for senator-judges to remain impartial and politically neutral.
He directed senators to raise questions during the trial instead of using social media for commentary about witnesses, lawyers and prosecutors involved.
The former Senate chief said neutrality protects public confidence in the constitutional impeachment process.
“There must be an effort to show impartiality and to show that you are listening to the evidence before you render judgment,” he added.
Although they can retain their personal political views, Drilon said senator-judges must still perform their constitutional duties.
“It is your duty to show impartiality when you ask questions in court,” Drilon said.
When host Pinky Webb asked whether Escudero, as the presiding officer, could call out his colleagues for making obvious unparliamentary remarks, Drilon said he could not prevent them from doing so.
“You cannot call them out. You cannot also disqualify them on that basis,” he said.
“Nasa konsensya ‘yan. It’s up to them to be able to discharge their duty in the best manner that they can,” he added.
Catch Former Senate President Franklin Drilon’s full interview on BNC’s “On Point” with Pinky Webb.