Senator-judge Robin Padilla told the prosecution on Wednesday, July 22, not to be “one-sided” as he questioned the credibility of their witnesses.
Senator-judge Robin Padilla (Senate PRIB photo)
During Wednesday’s impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Padilla aimed at the House prosecution panel, particularly in the witnesses it had chosen to present before the Senate impeachment court.
Padilla appealed to the prosecution to avoid presenting witnesses whose credibility could be questioned, saying the impeachment court should not rely on individuals allegedly facing perjury complaints.
“The person on trial here was elected by 32 million Filipinos,” Padilla said, urging the prosecution to be more cautious in selecting its witnesses.
He added that he had even filed a legislative proposal seeking stiffer penalties for perjury, arguing that those who repeatedly change their testimony should face harsher consequences.
“With all due respect, we were able to verify already that there are no cases pending against the prosecution witnesses,” she said.
She also pointed out that even a criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a witness, unless the judgment is already final and the offense is punishable by more than one year and involves moral turpitude.
“Alam niyo po, napakaganda po ng inyong sagot. Sana hindi one-sided ang ating prosecution (You know, that was a very good answer. I just hope the prosecution isn’t being one-sided),” he said.
Before he could elaborate on his claim, the exchange drew audible reactions inside the impeachment court, prompting Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero to call for order.
“The sergeant-at-arms, by authority of the Senate President, is directed to kindly maintain order in the court,” Escudero said.
Meanwhile, in a press conference, Senate Impeachment Court spokesperson lawyer Regie Tongol was asked about the ruckus that occurred when Padilla made the “one-sided” remark.
He explained that the prosecution panel was making a gesture that they were supposed to take a side.
“I think the House Prosecution Panel was just making a gesture lang na sinasabi na ‘Kasi prosecution kami, parang ganun. So talagang may side kami (I think the House prosecution panel was simply making the point that they’re the prosecution. It’s like they’re saying, ‘We’re the prosecution, so naturally we have a side),” Tongol said.
