Manila: The Senate Impeachment Court on Wednesday called on parties involved in the looming trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to direct their attention towards preparing their legal arguments rather than casting doubt on the court's authority and process. Court spokesperson Regie Tungol emphasized that the Senate, as the sole body empowered by the Constitution to try impeachment cases, deserves respect and not accusations that could undermine its credibility.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tungol questioned the motives behind criticizing the impeachment court, suggesting that such criticisms threaten the court's credibility. He explained that expressions of opinion from senator-judges are permissible as the proceedings have not yet reached the stage of evidence presentation. Citing Rule 18 of the Senate's impeachment rules, Tungol noted that the court remains in the preliminary stage where deliberations on legal interpretations are to be expected.

Earlier, human rights lawyer Tony Bucoy criticized the Senate's decision to return the impeachment articles to the House of Representatives, arguing that the concept of 'remand' is not applicable in impeachment proceedings. Bucoy invoked the legacy of former democracy icons, suggesting they would disapprove of the Senate's current actions. He expressed concern over the delayed impeachment process, warning that prolonged proceedings could deepen public suspicion.

Meanwhile, former Senate president and President's chief legal counsel, Juan Ponce Enrile, echoed Bucoy's concerns in a media report. Enrile advised senator-judges to refrain from public commentary once the trial begins and criticized the Senate's decision to return the articles, describing it as unprecedented and lacking legal basis. He remarked that there is no prior experience or precedent for the current actions taken by the Senate.

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte, signed by 215 lawmakers, was filed on February 5. The Senate convened as an impeachment court on June 10, four months later, before voting 18-5 to return the complaint to the House due to alleged constitutional infirmities.