Justice, Not Politics, Must Drive Impeachment Trial: Panganiban

MANILA – Retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban emphasized the need for impeachment proceedings to be guided by principles of true justice rather than political calculations, following an exchange with Senator-judge Joel Villanueva during recent trial proceedings.

Panganiban clarified that his remarks were made from the vantage point of the Filipino people, not as a perspective aligned with trial judges. He acknowledged that senator-judges may approach their questioning from a legislative standpoint, yet stressed that the paramount concern should be whether the impeachment process ultimately serves the interests of justice and the nation.

The former chief magistrate's intervention underscores ongoing discussions about the proper framework for impeachment trials in the Philippines, where senators serve as judges. The distinction Panganiban drew highlights the tension between legislative prerogatives and judicial principles in such proceedings.

His statement reflects broader concerns about maintaining the integrity of impeachment processes and ensuring they remain focused on substantive issues of accountability rather than partisan advantage. The remarks come amid significant public interest in how the current impeachment trial unfolds.