DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 May) — The House Prosecution Panel opposes allowing fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to participate online in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson for the 11-member panel, emphasized that all senator-judges must attend the trial in person to assess evidence and cross-examine witnesses, calling their physical presence indispensable for a fair judgment.
Adiong argued that impeachment is not a routine legislative function where remote participation via Zoom suffices. “This is about the accountability of an impeachable officer. It is a sacred duty to be present at all times,” he said, adding that absence could signal a lack of seriousness to the public.
Dela Rosa, classified as a “suspect at large” by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and a “fugitive from justice” by the Philippine Department of Justice, briefly appeared in the Senate on May 11 after a six-month absence but fled on May 14 to evade arrest.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag supported Adiong’s stance, stating that physical presence is crucial for observing witnesses’ demeanor and behavior. Senator Panfilo Lacson also doubted the feasibility of virtual participation, noting Senate rules permit it only during force majeure or the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Senate, convened as an impeachment court on May 18, will begin the trial on July 6. The Supreme Court recently denied Dela Rosa’s plea to block his arrest, and Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida has ordered law enforcement to enforce the ICC’s warrant. Dela Rosa faces charges as a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s drug war.
Matibag confirmed that authorities are tracking Dela Rosa’s movements since his escape. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
