For Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Lorenz Defensor, President Marcos' hands-off approach on Vice President Sara Duterte's upcoming impeachment trial makes total sense, given the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
“I’m glad to hear that the President, as the head of the Executive Department, will not interfere with the impeachment process,” said Defensor, a prosecutor in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of the lady official.
“As the President is the most powerful man in the country, he will exert undue influence on the senator-Judges and we want the senator-judges to act independently, free from any influence from the executive department," explained the deputy majority leader.
On the strength of 215 signatures from congressmen, the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Duterte last Feb. 5.
Duterte's Senate impeachment trial is expected to start in earnest in July. In the meantime, public opinion has been brewing on the issue.
Defensor emphasized that while the President’s statement may have an effect on public perception, its true impact lies in creating a political environment where senators can make impartial judgments.
“It’s good to hear that he will not be involved so that all parties will not be judged by any undue interference from any department, considering that we have a separation of powers,” Defensor said.
He acknowledged that the comment has already shaped some aspects of public opinion regarding the trial, but reiterated the constitutional independence of the legislative branch in resolving such matters.
Still, the Iloilo lawmaker expressed confidence that the Senate will fulfill its duty in a deliberative and impartial manner.
“But I want to see that senator-judges will act independently. And while we agree that it's a political process and the senators have their own affiliations, we want to see a trial, an objective trial when it comes to the presentation of evidence by the prosecution as well as by the defense,” Defensor said.