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Advocates Philippines
Estrada Pushes Back On Calls To Bar Him From Impeachment Trial
Photo credit: Jinggoy Estrada
Senator Jinggoy Estrada has rejected claims that he can no longer serve as a senator-judge in the upcoming impeachment trial, arguing that legal questions surrounding his status have yet to be resolved.
In a statement, Estrada said he was puzzled by what he described as the certainty of some critics who have publicly insisted that he is no longer qualified to participate in the proceedings.
“The issue is far from settled,” Estrada said.
According to the senator, the case involving his suspension pendente lite, or suspension while litigation is pending, remains under judicial review. He noted that he has yet to file his comment and opposition as directed by the court and still intends to avail himself of the legal remedies available to him.
Estrada argued that until a final and executory ruling is issued, claims that he has already lost the authority to perform his constitutional duties as a senator-judge are premature.
“Until a final and binding ruling is rendered, any assertion that I have been stripped of my authority to discharge my constitutional duties as a senator-judge is premature, baseless, and undermines the integrity of the impeachment process itself,” he said.
The senator also criticized what he described as attempts by some legal commentators to influence public opinion before the matter has been formally resolved.
“It is regrettable that some self-proclaimed legal experts appear more interested in shaping public opinion than in respecting the proper institutions and judicial processes tasked with resolving legal controversies,” Estrada said.
He stressed that the rule of law requires respect for due process and cautioned against treating personal interpretations as settled legal conclusions.
Estrada likewise pointed out that he has previously served as a senator-judge during an impeachment trial and is familiar with the responsibilities and procedures involved in such proceedings.
“Nakalimutan din yata ng ilan na minsan na rin akong nagsilbi bilang senator-judge sa isang impeachment trial. Batid ko ang mga umiiral na tuntunin, proseso, at responsibilidad na kaakibat ng paglilitis sa isang impeachable official,” he said.
The senator maintained that he will continue to respect the legal process, defend his rights through lawful means, and fulfill his duties in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions over the composition of the Senate impeachment court and questions regarding which senators may participate in the trial.
In a statement, Estrada said he was puzzled by what he described as the certainty of some critics who have publicly insisted that he is no longer qualified to participate in the proceedings.
“The issue is far from settled,” Estrada said.
According to the senator, the case involving his suspension pendente lite, or suspension while litigation is pending, remains under judicial review. He noted that he has yet to file his comment and opposition as directed by the court and still intends to avail himself of the legal remedies available to him.
Estrada argued that until a final and executory ruling is issued, claims that he has already lost the authority to perform his constitutional duties as a senator-judge are premature.
“Until a final and binding ruling is rendered, any assertion that I have been stripped of my authority to discharge my constitutional duties as a senator-judge is premature, baseless, and undermines the integrity of the impeachment process itself,” he said.
The senator also criticized what he described as attempts by some legal commentators to influence public opinion before the matter has been formally resolved.
“It is regrettable that some self-proclaimed legal experts appear more interested in shaping public opinion than in respecting the proper institutions and judicial processes tasked with resolving legal controversies,” Estrada said.
He stressed that the rule of law requires respect for due process and cautioned against treating personal interpretations as settled legal conclusions.
Estrada likewise pointed out that he has previously served as a senator-judge during an impeachment trial and is familiar with the responsibilities and procedures involved in such proceedings.
“Nakalimutan din yata ng ilan na minsan na rin akong nagsilbi bilang senator-judge sa isang impeachment trial. Batid ko ang mga umiiral na tuntunin, proseso, at responsibilidad na kaakibat ng paglilitis sa isang impeachable official,” he said.
The senator maintained that he will continue to respect the legal process, defend his rights through lawful means, and fulfill his duties in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions over the composition of the Senate impeachment court and questions regarding which senators may participate in the trial.
Jun 12, 2026
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