Senator Panfilo Lacson believes that the proposal to allow online participation in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte — including the possible remote voting of Senator Ronald dela Rosa — may not prosper.
This came after Senator Rodante Marcoleta proposed amending Rule 14, Section 41 of the Senate rules to allow senators to attend and participate in sessions through teleconference, video conference, or other electronic means for “justifiable reasons.”
Marcoleta introduced the proposal on the same day Dela Rosa appeared at the Senate after six months of absence.
While no objections were raised against the proposal, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano referred the matter to the Committee on Rules.
In an interview, Lacson said the proposal may not push through because Senate rules only allow virtual attendance during force majeure events or national emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the lawmaker, the proposal is unlikely to pass and could only delay proceedings if the impeachment rules are amended.
Lacson added that the motion has not yet been discussed and remains invalid unless the Senate formally amends the rule through the proper process.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Senate of the Philippines)
