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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Silence is better: Libanan praises senator-judges who have chosen 'high road of restraint'

Silence is better: Libanan praises senator-judges who have chosen 'high road of restraint'

Published Jun 20, 2025 11:44 am

At A Glance

  • Amid the tit-for-tat between the House of Representatives and Senate on the topic of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case, it's the senator-judges who have kept their silence who truly deserves praise.
4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Amid the tit-for-tat between the House of Representatives and Senate on the topic of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case, it's the senator-judges who have kept their silence who truly deserves praise.
Thus, said lead House prosecutor 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Nonoy Libanan, as he lauded senators who have refrained from making public statements on the merits of the impeachment case against the Vice President.
Libanan, in a statement Friday, said these senator-judges' silence reflected their strength, discipline and judicial integrity.
“We commend our senator-judges who have chosen the high road of restraint. Silence, in the context of an ongoing trial, is not passivity—it is professionalism,” said Libanan, who served as House minority leader in the 19th Congress.
“In this highly-charged political moment, those who speak least may actually understand the gravity of their judicial role the most. They recognize that the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is a constitutional tribunal—not a venue for political theater, he said.
Libanan emphasized that public silence from senator-judges demonstrates impartiality and respect for due process. “It sends a powerful message that they are focused on duty and evidence, not optics,” he said.
“We’ve seen members of the Senate resist the urge to grandstand or sway public opinion. Their restraint helps preserve the credibility of the impeachment process and protects it from being undermined by accusations of bias or prejudgment,” he noted.
He cited the Constitution’s demand for neutrality from judges in any legal or quasi-legal proceeding.
“Every statement a judge makes outside the courtroom is a potential challenge to fairness inside it. The discipline shown by some senators is therefore not just admirable—it’s essential,” he stressed.
Libanan urged others to follow this example. “We urge all senator-judges to uphold the same level of discretion. Let the facts and the Constitution—not noise—shape the outcome of this process.
He concluded by saying, “We thank those who lead by quiet example. In moments like this, silence is not weakness—it is a testament to integrity.”
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