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Advocates Philippines
Co: Impeachment Trial Must Stay Fully In-Person, Not Online
Photo credit: Renee Co
House impeachment trial spokesperson and Assistant Minority Leader Renee Co of Kabataan Party-list is urging the Senate impeachment court to reject proposals allowing online participation and voting in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
In a Thursday interview over dzME, Co said impeachment proceedings require full physical presence from senator-judges so they can properly evaluate witnesses and testimony firsthand.
She stressed that virtual participation cannot replace in-person observation in a trial of such importance.
“Iba po talaga ‘yung physical participation. Hindi niya made-defeat ng virtual participation ‘yung andyan ka physically,” Co said.
Co added that observing body language and demeanor is essential in assessing testimonies.
“Kailangan makita mo ‘yung non-verbal language, ‘yung expressions na may limitasyon talaga na gagawin ‘yan kung online participation,” Co said.
She compared the issue to debates on face-to-face learning, arguing that some processes lose their integrity when moved online.
Co maintained that senator-judges should be physically present throughout the proceedings, emphasizing that impeachment demands full engagement rather than convenience.
“Napakahalaga po talaga kung andyan physically ang mga senator-judges,” Co said.
She also warned against changing Senate rules simply because of a lawmaker’s inability or refusal to attend proceedings in person, referring to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
“Kung ang magiging mode of participation natin ay maiimpluwensyahan sa hindi pagharap sa mga mangyayari at proseso ng batas na i-e-effect sa isang tao, hindi dapat maging rason ‘yun para baguhin ‘yung Senate rules,” Co said.
Co further said that issues involving detained or absent lawmakers should be resolved first before any discussion of rule changes affecting impeachment participation.
“Kailangan lang pong boluntaryong pagsuko ni Sen Bato. Kailangan mangyari ‘yun before any discussion of senate rules and how it will affect his participation,” Co said.
She noted that while some detained legislators in the past had limited participation in legislative work, they did not take part in proceedings through online setups as being proposed today.
“Maybe nakapag-file sila ng bills, pero hindi ang extent ng participation na gusto po na gawin sa pag-amyenda ng rules,” Co said.
Despite differing views on procedure, Co said the prosecution panel is preparing for multiple scenarios, stressing the need for a swift and fair trial.
“Ang puno’t dulo na gusto natin mangyari ang paglilitis forthwith and gusto natin mangyari siya in a fair manner,” Co said.
In a Thursday interview over dzME, Co said impeachment proceedings require full physical presence from senator-judges so they can properly evaluate witnesses and testimony firsthand.
She stressed that virtual participation cannot replace in-person observation in a trial of such importance.
“Iba po talaga ‘yung physical participation. Hindi niya made-defeat ng virtual participation ‘yung andyan ka physically,” Co said.
Co added that observing body language and demeanor is essential in assessing testimonies.
“Kailangan makita mo ‘yung non-verbal language, ‘yung expressions na may limitasyon talaga na gagawin ‘yan kung online participation,” Co said.
She compared the issue to debates on face-to-face learning, arguing that some processes lose their integrity when moved online.
Co maintained that senator-judges should be physically present throughout the proceedings, emphasizing that impeachment demands full engagement rather than convenience.
“Napakahalaga po talaga kung andyan physically ang mga senator-judges,” Co said.
She also warned against changing Senate rules simply because of a lawmaker’s inability or refusal to attend proceedings in person, referring to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
“Kung ang magiging mode of participation natin ay maiimpluwensyahan sa hindi pagharap sa mga mangyayari at proseso ng batas na i-e-effect sa isang tao, hindi dapat maging rason ‘yun para baguhin ‘yung Senate rules,” Co said.
Co further said that issues involving detained or absent lawmakers should be resolved first before any discussion of rule changes affecting impeachment participation.
“Kailangan lang pong boluntaryong pagsuko ni Sen Bato. Kailangan mangyari ‘yun before any discussion of senate rules and how it will affect his participation,” Co said.
She noted that while some detained legislators in the past had limited participation in legislative work, they did not take part in proceedings through online setups as being proposed today.
“Maybe nakapag-file sila ng bills, pero hindi ang extent ng participation na gusto po na gawin sa pag-amyenda ng rules,” Co said.
Despite differing views on procedure, Co said the prosecution panel is preparing for multiple scenarios, stressing the need for a swift and fair trial.
“Ang puno’t dulo na gusto natin mangyari ang paglilitis forthwith and gusto natin mangyari siya in a fair manner,” Co said.
May 29, 2026
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