Senator Robin Padilla has floated the idea that minority senators in the Philippine Senate may boycott the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing concerns over perceived disregard for legal protocols.
While Padilla clarified that the minority bloc has not yet formally discussed the possibility of abstaining from the trial, he indicated that such discussions could occur soon. He emphasized that there are already troubling developments related to the trial.
Padilla expressed opposition to the Senate impeachment court's decision to base the two-thirds voting threshold on the number of senators present during the vote. He argued that politics should not interfere with the impeachment process, stating, "We believe in following the Constitution."
He added a warning against the manipulation of laws, suggesting that a continued failure to adhere to legal standards might result in a decision by some senators to not attend the trial. Padilla, alongside Senator Bong Go, has previously filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to nullify the Senate impeachment court's ruling regarding the voting threshold.
Recently, Senator Mark Villar switched from the minority to the majority bloc after being elected to the Commission on Appointments and appointed as chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works. This shift has altered the composition, resulting in 14 senators in the majority and 10 in the minority, with four minority members currently absent from sessions due to various reasons, including imprisonment and health issues.
Padilla expressed hope that no further senators from the minority will switch allegiance following Villar's move.