MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to remain fair, impartial, and neutral in the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, following the announcement of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano that the chamber may convene as an impeachment court on May 18.
Padilla said that impeachment is a serious constitutional mechanism that must not be reduced to partisan politics, speculation, or personal interests.
“As a senator-judge, my duty is to remain fair, open-minded, and guided only by evidence, due process, and my sworn duty to the Constitution,” he said in a statement.
Padilla said senators serving as judges in an impeachment court are expected to rise above politics and uphold the rule of law.