MANILA, Philippines– Senate President Francis Escudero and the House of Representatives prosecution team said on Monday that decisions by senator-judges to inhibit themselves from participating in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte should remain voluntary.
Escudero and San Juan City Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora, a member of the House prosecution team, emphasized in separate interviews that while parties involved may request certain senators to abstain, the final choice to recuse lies with the senator-judges themselves.
The issue of voluntary inhibition arose amid calls for some senators to step aside due to potential conflicts of interest or perceived bias in the high-profile impeachment proceedings. Both officials underscored the importance of maintaining impartiality and fairness during the trial.
Escudero and Zamora reiterated that senator-judges must independently evaluate legal and ethical considerations when deciding on their participation, highlighting the autonomy granted to them under current procedures.
The matter continues to attract political and public scrutiny, with observers calling for clearer guidelines on the inhibition process in impeachment cases. As the trial advances, attention remains focused on how senator-judges handle these decisions.
No formal motions or specific actions regarding inhibition have been confirmed by Senate or House authorities following Monday’s statements.