Politics · Philippines Bureau
Detained Senator Marcoleta Withdraws from Duterte Impeachment Trial
Jailed Sen. Rodante Marcoleta announced Monday he will not participate in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings, citing constitutional objections to how the trial is being conducted.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta declared he will no longer take part in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing concerns that the proceedings undermine constitutional safeguards.
Marcoleta, who remains in detention and has been absent throughout the trial, made the announcement during a court appearance. The senator previously opposed the appointment of Sen. Francis Escudero to oversee the proceedings, raising questions about the legitimacy of the judicial process.
The detained lawmaker's withdrawal marks another development in the high-profile impeachment case against the vice president. Marcoleta's absence from trial sessions had already drawn attention, with the senator's continued detention complicating his participation in legislative duties.
Marcoleta's decision reflects deeper divisions within the Senate regarding the constitutional propriety of the impeachment trial. His stance suggests ongoing tensions between lawmakers over procedures and the proper handling of the vice president's case.