Manila: Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday pushed back against recent remarks by the spokesperson of the Senate Impeachment Court, cautioning against what she called premature and unilateral decisions being made before the court has even convened.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros issued the statement following public comments by lawyer Regie Tongol during a recent press conference, where he outlined positions on how the court would operate. 'Atty. Tongol is entitled to speak in his own capacity, but, with all due respect, he does not reflect the voice of the Senate,' Hontiveros said.

The senator emphasized the importance of collective judgment in the Senate, stating, 'As a deliberative body, the strength of the Senate is in its collective judgement. Based on his statements, he represents only the position of the presiding officer. But he does not represent mine, as one of the senator-judges,' she added.

Hontiveros raised concerns over what she perceived as contradictions in Tongol's statements. She pointed out that the same officials who claimed the court cannot yet act are already making rules for it. 'Hindi tugma ang matagal na nilang sinasabi na hindi pwedeng mag-convene at gumalaw ang Impeachment Court hanggang magsimula ang 20th Congress. Ngunit sa kabilang banda, dinidesisyunan na nila - unilaterally -- ang mga panuntunan sa Impeachment Court,' Hontiveros said.

She urged her fellow senator-judges and court officials to respect due process and refrain from making decisions until the Impeachment Court is formally convened. 'Out of respect for the institution, I hope we can be more mindful of process and allow us senator-judges to decide only when we are properly convened,' she said.