Jinggoy Estrada had this statement about VP Sara’s impeachment trial
Senator Jinggoy Estrada insisted that there has been no final decision removing him as senator-judge in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
He made this remark amid statements that he may no longer participate in the trial of VP Sara. Estrada is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory after being ordered arrested by the Sandiganbayan for plunder in connection with the flood control scandal.
Based on the report from Abante News, Estrada said that the matter remains open because legal processes related to his suspension pendente lite or temporary suspension while the case is pending are still ongoing.
“The issue is far from settled,” Senator Jinggoy Estrada stressed. The senator also said that he has not yet filed his comments and opposition in accordance with the court’s directive, and he has not yet exhausted all legal remedies available to him.
He emphasized that until there is a final and binding decision, there is no basis for those who say that he no longer has the authority to perform his duties as senator-judge.
“Any assertion that I have been stripped of my authority to discharge my constitutional duties as a senator-judge is premature, baseless, and undermines the integrity of the impeachment process itself,” the actor-turned-politician said.
Estrada also criticized some “self-proclaimed legal experts” who he said are rushing to give interpretations on the matter instead of letting the right institutions and courts decide.
The lawmaker stressed that respect for due process and the rule of law should prevail over speculation, speculation and personal opinions.
Estrada also reminded people that he once served as a senator-judge in an impeachment trial so he is familiar with the existing rules, processes and responsibilities that come with trying an impeachable official.