V.P. Sara, Hontiveros spar over bias in impeachment trial

Vice President Sara Duterte argued that senators should not be disqualified from impeachment trials due to political bias and suggested Senator Risa Hontiveros should recuse herself if such bias existed.

Hontiveros countered that as senator-judges, their duty is to weigh all evidence presented, regardless of personal or political alignment with the accused, and affirmed she would do so.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III previously opposed calls for recusal, suggesting it might benefit Duterte, and noted the public would judge senators' decisions.

Senate President Francis Escudero clarified that recusal is generally voluntary unless a motion is filed by a party.

The House prosecution panel is considering requesting the recusal of senator-judges accused of bias but may forgo this to avoid delaying the trial.

Previously, senators allied with the Vice President faced criticism for attempting to dismiss the impeachment outright before hearing the case on its merits.