Ex-Chief Justice Panganiban urges absent senators to inhibit from Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — Former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban said on Wednesday that if he were a senator-judge who had failed to actively participate in the impeachment trial of President Duterte, he would inhibit himself from the proceedings. Panganiban emphasized that for the fairness and legitimacy of the trial to be upheld, senators must have sufficient information to make informed judgments. His remarks came amid discussions regarding the number of votes required to convict Duterte. Citing past impeachment trials and principles of judicial impartiality, Panganiban suggested that senators unable to actively participate should recuse themselves. This stance underscores the expectation of responsible conduct from all parties involved in such a critical political process. In Philippine politics, impeachment trials serve as a crucial check against misconduct and abuse of power by high officials. Ensuring transparency and fairness in these proceedings is vital for maintaining public trust. Panganiban's proposal is seen as a concrete step towards enhancing the credibility of the impeachment process.