Terry Ridon trolls pro-Duterte SC petitioners who want to stop trial
At A Glance
- House prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon dismisses the Supreme Court petition against Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, calling it a waste of paper.
- Several lawyers led by Israelito Torreon file the petition, questioning Senator Francis Escudero's authority as presiding officer instead of Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.
- The impeachment court schedules three trial dates per week, while Duterte skips the first two sessions on July 6 and 7.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
In the face of a Supreme Court (SC) petition that could potentially stop Vice President Sara Duterte's Senate impeachment trial cold in its tracks, House prosecutor Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon did one of the things he's good at.
That is, troll the personalities who are perceived to be pro-Duterte.
"Good luck sa kanila, nagsasayang na naman sila ng papel (Good luck to them, they're wasting paper once again)," the lawyer-solon said in a Viber message to House reporters Tuesday, July 7.
In a very urgent manifestation with motion filed on Monday, July 6, several lawyers led by Israelito Torreon asked the high tribunal to issue a status quo ante order and halt the Senate impeachment court from proceeding with the trial against Duterte.
The petitioners specifically questioned Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's authority as presiding officer in the high-stakes trial.
Usually, it's the sitting Senate President who presides over an impeachment trial. That position is currently held by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.
The Senate majority voted on day one of the trial Monday to install Escudero, a lawyer, as the court's presiding officer.
The House prosecution team had earlier said that the identity of the presiding officer won't affect their presentation of evidence against Duterte.
Asked if the Torreon group's move will derail the Vice President’s impeachment trial, Ridon expressed confidence that it would fail.
"Nothing is derailed, the trial is full speed ahead," he said.
The impeachment court plans to hold three trial dates per week. The twice-impeached Duterte didn't attend the first two trial dates on Monday and Tuesday.