politics
Senator proposes video conference rule for impeachment trial participation
A senator introduced a measure to let senators attend impeachment proceedings remotely under justifiable circumstances. The proposal was referred to the Senate committee on rules. Legal experts said any change would require Senate approval and noted that one senator has not yet taken the required oath.
RapplerAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta introduced a proposal to amend Senate rules so that senators with justifiable reasons could attend and participate in sessions through video conference. The measure was referred to the committee on rules. University of the Philippines College of Law professor Paolo Tamase said the 1987 Constitution requires senators sitting as an impeachment court to be on oath or affirmation.
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 18, when senators were sworn in as senator-judges.
Legal requirements and expert views San Beda University College of Law professor Adonis Gabriel said the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, could adopt a rule allowing participation through video conferencing. He spoke at a legal forum on May 20.
Tamase noted that the oath is a formal ceremony and that virtual participation in a Philippine impeachment trial has no precedent. Lyceum of the Philippines University College of Law Dean Ma. Soledad Derquito-Mawis said active participation requires more than remote login, including the ability to ask questions and evaluate evidence.
Reactions from other senators Senator Risa Hontiveros said Senate rules allow online voting only in cases of force majeure and national emergency situations. Senators Erwin Tulfo and Panfilo Lacson also indicated the proposal is unlikely to succeed. To convict in an impeachment trial, at least 16 senator-judges must vote in favor. One senator has not yet taken the oath as a senator-judge.
