Tulfo on Marcoleta's impeachment trial participation bid: Ask Sandiganbayan

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday said that they have yet to talk about the request for detained Sens. Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada to participate in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, but stressed that permission should be sought from the Sandiganbayan, which has custody over the two senators. “We will definitely discuss,” Tulfo said when asked about the request of Marcoleta to join the trial. Marcoleta, who is currently detained at the Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, had earlier expressed his desire to join the impeachment trial of Duterte. Under Philippine law, individuals facing conviction and appealing their cases in criminal proceedings are barred from holding public office. Both Senators Marcoleta and Estrada are currently on trial for corruption and other charges at the Sandiganbayan. Tulfo said that the Senate would await a ruling from the Sandiganbayan before holding any formal discussions on the matter.