Gatchalian stresses fairness in VP Duterte impeachment trial

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the importance of fairness and impartiality for his fellow senator-judges during the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Lawyer Jennifer Arlene Reyes called on senator-judges to prioritize the interests of the Filipino people over political alliances, stressing that they must let their conscience guide them in assessing evidence.

Gatchalian acknowledged during an interview with DZMM that senators are not court judges and often have political leanings which may affect their decisions during impeachment proceedings.

The Senate previously voted 18-5 to return the articles of impeachment against Duterte to the House without dismissing them, seeking certification from the House regarding compliance with constitutional requirements.

Gatchalian was one of five senator-judges who voted against remanding the articles back to the House and emphasized the need for a timely trial to maintain public trust in the Senate's mandate.