Bam Aquino to file motion to publicize Sara Duterte impeachment evidence

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Bam Aquino on Sunday said he would file a motion to release to the public all evidence presented during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Aquino expressed his intent one day before the start of Duterte’s trial proper on Monday, July 6. “In the first week, we will file a motion to release all presented evidence to the public,” the senator said in a statement. In the same statement, he advised Filipinos to keep a watchful eye on the proceedings. READ: Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Everything you need to know “To our countrymen: watch, be vigilant, and participate. Form your own opinions and be careful of misinformation,” Aquino added. He noted the weight of an impeachment trial, saying “Removing an elected official is not a simple matter because impeachment changes the choice of the majority of voters.” “The grounds for impeachment are also heavy: Graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and high crimes” he continued. READ: Impeachment court summons Sara Duterte to first day of her trial With this, Aquino, who will serve as a senator-judge during the impeachment trial, vowed thoroughness and fairness in the upcoming proceedings. “Here’s our promise: We will break down the evidence. We will ensure the judgment will be fair. No colors, no friends, no enemies. And we will vote based on the evidence,” he said. Duterte’s trial will begin on Monday at 2 p.m. over alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery of Department of Education officials, and death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. /dl