Senate impeachment spox only speaks for Escudero – Hontiveros

Lawyer Regie Tongol, spokesperson for the Senate Impeachment Court, does not speak on behalf of all senator-judges but solely represents Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, the court’s presiding officer.

Senator Risa Hontiveros clarified this on Friday following Tongol’s recent press briefings where he defended the court’s decisions on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Hontiveros, while Tongol is entitled to speak in his own capacity after being designated as 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 judgment. Based on his statements at a recent press conference, he represents only the position of the Presiding Officer. But he does not represent mine, as one of the Senator-Judges,” she said.

Hontiveros pointed out that she does not agree with Tongol’s remarks that the Senate Impeachment Court cannot convene until the 20th Congress officially begins.

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

She added: “They are already making decisions on the court’s rules unilaterally.”

“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.”

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

Escudero appointed Tongol as 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, he defended the court against criticisms from the House of Representatives, particularly the prosecution panel.