House Committee on Justice Chairperson and Lead Prosecutor Gerville Luistro has opposed proposals allowing senator-judges to participate or vote remotely in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Luistro said the nature of an impeachment proceeding requires the physical presence of senator-judges in the Senate, citing the importance of directly evaluating evidence and witness testimony.
The lead prosecutor made the statement in response to calls to permit remote or online participation during the trial. The proposal was raised by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who suggested remote voting for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
While expressing respect for Marcoleta’s position, Luistro emphasized that the significance of the impeachment process must be carefully considered.
According to Luistro, senator-judges should personally observe witnesses, review documents, and examine video evidence presented before the impeachment court. She said direct observation is an important part of determining whether witnesses are credible and whether their statements are truthful.
Luistro also stressed that it would be difficult for a senator-judge to make decisions solely through online participation or remote voting during proceedings.
She argued that impeachment trials involve substantial responsibilities and require close attention to testimony and evidence presented before the court.
The issue emerged amid discussions regarding the participation of dela Rosa in Senate proceedings.
Reports previously indicated that dela Rosa stayed within the Senate premises after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him. He later left following a Senate vote that resulted in a change in the chamber’s leadership.
The proposed use of remote voting has become part of broader discussions surrounding the conduct of the impeachment trial against Duterte.
Luistro maintained that personal attendance remains essential to ensuring that senator-judges can properly assess all evidence and testimony before reaching a decision in the case.
