SENATOR-elect Panfilo Lacson said he is prepared for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, tentatively set for July, but emphasized that the prosecution must present credible and compelling evidence to move forward.
Speaking at his proclamation at The Manila Hotel on Saturday, Lacson reminded the public that conviction requires the support of at least 16 senator-judges.
“If the evidence is insufficient, the case won’t prosper. We are accountable to the Filipino people,” he said in Filipino.
He stressed that the outcome should rely solely on the strength of the evidence.
“If the case is weak, conviction is unlikely. But if the evidence is strong, acquittal would be unjust,” he added.
Lacson urged the House prosecution panel to ensure their arguments are firmly grounded in fact, saying, “Everything must be evidence-based.”
Senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta also expressed readiness to take part in the trial but said the Senate must first deliberate whether there is enough basis to proceed.
“We must debate if the trial is truly necessary,” he noted.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in February, citing six major allegations, including a controversial claim that she had plotted retaliatory attacks against President Marcos and other top officials if she were to be assassinated.