In the thick of rising political tension over the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor is calling for calm, fairness, and full transparency.

Speaking in a candid radio interview, Defensor underscored the need to keep emotions in check and focus on the integrity of the process.

“It’s better to think of this as a ‘winner takes all’ scenario,” he said in Filipino. “This isn’t supposed to be a bloodbath. What we want is a clear and organized presentation of evidence.”

The lawmaker, who has been vocal about the importance of due process, emphasized that both the prosecution and the defense need to come fully prepared—not just for the sake of the trial, but for the sake of public trust.

“We want to see the Vice President ready to accept the outcome, should she be acquitted,” Defensor said. “That would make it easier for the public and the members of the House to move forward.”

He added, “On the other hand, the prosecution must also be ready in case the Senate decides to convict her. It’s just as important that she accepts that result too.”

Defensor also made a pointed appeal for the Supreme Court to stay out of the proceedings. “Let’s allow the impeachment process to unfold as it should. This isn’t a criminal or civil case. Impeachment is a unique process. It’s a political act, and it’s up to the senators to decide how they interpret the evidence—whether it warrants acquittal or conviction.”

And while politics will naturally play a role, Defensor hopes each senator-judge will vote with fairness.

“We don’t want to pressure anyone into revealing how they’ll vote,” he said. “But we understand there will be alliances, that’s part of the nature of this.”

Still, he remains optimistic about the composition of the Senate.

“The election results have given us a fairly balanced chamber. That’s a good thing. A balanced Senate means a fairer trial, not just for the Vice President, but for the entire country.”

As the midterm winds down and the final half of the administration begins, Defensor says it’s time to finish what the House has started.

“We need closure—not just for the Vice President, but for the 215 members of the House of Representatives, for the Senate, and most of all, for the Filipino people,” he said.

The congressman also stressed the constitutional mandate that once the House transmits the articles of impeachment to the Senate, the trial must begin “forthwith.”

There’s no room for delay or dismissal, he noted.

“We want this trial to push through. Let’s get it done. Let’s give the country closure,” he said, reiterating that this is not personal. “This isn’t about attacking the Vice President. For me, this is about fulfilling our constitutional role.”

As for talk of leadership challenges in the House, Defensor downplayed the rumors.

“The leaders of the major political parties in the House are still aligned. I don’t see any serious moves to challenge the Speaker, nor do I see the rumored candidates making any moves,” he said.

With the opening of the 20th Congress on the horizon, Defensor said the House plenary will once again nominate and elect the members of the prosecution panel. “We will be ready,” he said with confidence.

As the nation watches closely, Defensor’s message is clear: be prepared, be fair, and let the truth come to light.

“Winner takes all—that’s the nature of impeachment. The important thing is that the result, whatever it may be, is something the public can accept.”