Risa slams Senate impeachment spox

The spokesperson for the Senate impeachment court does not speak for all the senator-judges but solely for Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the court’s presiding officer.

Senator Risa Hontiveros made the statement on Friday following lawyer Regie Tongol’s recent press briefings where he defended the court’s decisions regarding the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Hontiveros said that while Tongol is entitled to speak in his own capacity after being designated the spokesperson for the Senate impeachment court, “he does not reflect the voice of the Senate.”

“As a deliberative body, the strength of the Senate is in its collective judgement. Based on his statements at a recent press conference, he represents only the position of the presiding officer. As one of the senator-judges, he does not represent mine,” she said.

Hontiveros said she does not agree with Tongol that the impeachment court cannot convene until the 20th Congress officially opens.

“Their repeated claim that the impeachment court cannot convene or function until the 20th Congress begins is inconsistent with their actions,” she said.

“They are already making unilateral decisions on the court’s rules,” she added.

“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 stressed.

Earlier, Hontiveros called on Escudero to administer the oath to the new senators of the 20th Congress who will sit as senator-judges.

Escudero appointed Tongol the court’s spokesperson last month to “ensure that information surrounding the impeachment proceedings is communicated accurately, responsibly, and in a timely manner that fosters public trust.”

Upon his appointment, Tongol defended the court against criticism from the House of Representatives, particularly its prosecution panel.