Senate Minority Leader Alan Cayetano said he hopes the Senate Impeachment Court will consider coordinating with the Sandiganbayan to allow Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to attend the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Although he has yet to formally present his proposal, Cayetano said he is optimistic that the impeachment court will consider the request.
According to Cayetano, while he recognizes that Estrada is under suspension, he believes the impeachment trial is a “sui generis” proceeding, making it distinct from ordinary judicial processes.
He said allowing both senators to participate would help ensure fairness and impartiality during the trial.
Cayetano also expressed his belief that the detention of Estrada and Marcoleta was politically motivated.
The senator added that the Senate’s credibility and integrity would be strengthened if it demonstrates fairness in handling the impeachment proceedings.
Meanwhile, Sen. Raffy Tulfo voiced support for Cayetano’s proposal.
Tulfo said it would be beneficial if Estrada and Marcoleta could at least monitor the proceedings through a television screen so they could follow the presentation of witnesses and other developments in the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte.
Cayetano has not yet disclosed the details of how he intends to present the proposal before the Senate Impeachment Court or the specific arrangement he plans to seek with the Sandiganbayan.
The proposal comes as the Senate continues preparations for the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Duterte, with discussions ongoing regarding the participation of senators and the conduct of the trial.
No decision has been announced by the Senate Impeachment Court regarding Cayetano’s proposal.
